06/15/2024
Please read!
Read more at www.usark.org/24doe
In 2022, the Department of Energy (“Department”) passed a regulation that banned certain incandescent light bulbs. Light bulbs are deemed inefficient if they do not emit a certain amount of lumens per watt. Specifically, the rule prohibits the sale of “general service lamps” (GSLs) that do not meet a minimum efficacy standard of 45 lumens per watt (lm/W). This was meant to transition from less efficient bulbs to more efficient lighting, like LED bulbs.
Reptile (and bird) lighting is a specialty item and is not used for general-purpose lighting in homes and businesses. However, certain bulbs were reviewed solely on how many lumens they produced per watt. H**p keepers know that halogen and basking bulbs are not used in household lamps for general lighting.
At least one lighting manufacturer has been sharing valuable data with the Department, and changes to this ban are being sought. The Department shows promising signs of being reasonable regarding the concerns expressed with its openness to communications from lighting manufacturers and experts such as veterinarians, zookeepers, and professional h**petologists. The Department’s willingness to engage with stakeholders is welcome and appreciated. A review has been requested, and we remain hopeful that reason will prevail.
While most specialty lighting for reptiles and amphibians has not been included in this ban, many commonly used bulbs have been, including the list below. Bulbs similar to those below, no matter the company, fall under this ban and will be pulled from the market if the Department does not change its standing.
An effort to reverse this decision seems to be moving positively with the Department. Currently, we are encouraging legitimate experts and concerned h**p keepers to contact the Department. Experts, please send any data supporting the need for the types of bulbs below for animal welfare and sound husbandry. The Department needs to be provided with information.
Remember to be civil and professional! Acting otherwise will only hurt our cause. You can provide science and input about your animal welfare concerns to this email address: [email protected]
List of bulbs currently subject to the ban by the Department (some, but possibly not all):
basking spot lamps under 125W
daylight bulbs under 125W
halogen lamps under 125W
UVB compact fluorescent lamps
UVA compact fluorescent lamps
Below is a basic sample message.
Please edit it and feel free to expand. Be polite! You can easily edit to include other concerns, such as if you own birds.
Please do not just copy and paste. A bunch of the exact same message is not as effective as personalized emails.
email address: [email protected]
Department of Energy,
As a responsible reptile owner, I am very troubled after learning that specialty light bulbs that I use to keep my pets healthy will be banned. The ban on certain basking, heat, and UVA/UVB bulbs will create extreme animal welfare issues. Pet reptiles and birds, animals in zoos and conservation programs, and many others will suffer. Please listen to the experts who have contacted you regarding this issue. These bulbs are not used for general lighting and are needed to keep most reptiles healthy. Several million American homes have pet reptiles.
I support and appreciate the Department’s work to improve our energy efficiency and help the environment. These bulbs for reptiles should not be included in the ban or considered GSLs, as they are used only for specialized applications and not for everyday lighting applications. I ask that you do what is right for the animals and for good American pet owners by exempting these specialty light bulbs. Have a good day.
YOUR NAME
(If you are a professional in an animal-related field, please include your job or professional title. This includes veterinarians, biologists, zookeepers, researchers, professors/teachers, h**petologists, conservationists, etc.)