AB 1109 (Huffman, 2007-08) Lighting Efficiency & Toxics Reduction Act

Summary.

This bill, the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation, would require reductions in energy usage for lighting, encourage the use of more efficient lighting technologies, reduce hazardous waste in lighting and increase recycling opportunities.

Position and Status. 
CAW Supports. AB 1109 was signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on October 12, 2007.

Description.
AB 1109 would task the California Energy Commission with reducing lighting energy usage in indoor residences and state facilities by no less than 50%, by 2018, as well as require a 25% reduction in commercial facilities by that same date. To achieve these efficiency levels, the California Energy Commission would apply its existing appliance efficiency standards to include lighting products, as well as require minimum lumen/watt standards for different categories of lighting products. The bill would also expand existing incentives for energy efficient lighting.

As part of its hazardous waste component, the bill would require manufactures to reduce the levels of toxins in lighting products, such as mercury in fluorescent and lead in incandescents, consistent with requirements already in place in the European Union. Additionally, the bill would require the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to create a task force to make recommendations to be delivered to the Legislature by September 1, 2008 on the most effective and cost-effective method for collecting and recycling end-of-life light bulbs, educating consumers about recycling and packaging and labeling regarding proper management of recycling light bulbs. Update May 2008: CAW is on the task force working on these issues. To check for meetings and other information, check the 1109 Task Force page on DTSC's website.

CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray  (916) 443-5422

Current Actions.

Thank you for the letters than have been sent to help pass this important legislation.

Assembly Member Jared Huffman
State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814

Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor) (read support letter)
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers (with amendments) 
California Product Stewardship Council (read support letter)
CalPirg
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Environmental Defense
Friends of the Earth
Marin County Hazardous & Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority
Natural Resources Defense Council
North American Hazardous Materials Management Association - CA Chapter
OSRAM Sylvania, Inc. 
Philips Electronics (with amendments) (read support letter)
Redding Municipal Utilities
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
San Diego County
Sierra Club California
Sonoma County Waste Management Agency
Southern California Edison
StopWaste.Org
The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
Waste Management (read support letter)

(Organizations in green have submitted letters to the Governor)

Opposition.
CA Chamber of Commerce
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

Current Language, Analyses and votes.