The State of California becomes a test lab next year for how consumers nationwide may react to new federal lighting efficiency laws taking effect throughout the country on January 1, 2012. Under Title 20, the Golden State's energy commission has the authority to regulate lighting products used by consumers and businesses. As a result of the commission's actions, consumers in California will start to experience the phase out of the 100-watt incandescent light bulb this coming January, a year before the rest of the country. Californians will also deal with the phasing out of 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent bulbs on an accelerated schedule.

GE Lighting's position paper, A Transforming Global Lighting Industry, provides perspective on lighting legislation and the energy-efficient lighting technologies that are available to consumers and businesses now and in the years ahead. It's available for free at www.gelighting.com/2012.

"The coming changes will usher in a new, better way to light our workplaces and homes," says Michael Petras, GE Lighting's president and CEO. "Incandescent bulbs have served us well for over 100 years but the time has come to adopt more energy-efficient products. Reliable and trusted companies such as GE are researching lighting solutions with an eye toward our children's future. We're investing in the development of a variety of lighting products based on advanced halogen, compact fluorescent and light-emitting diode platforms."

The GE position paper provides:

A summary of the profound transformation of the global lighting industry that's underway and its effect on consumers, including U.S. laws taking effect starting in January 2012 through 2014. An assessment of lighting options available to consumers when 100-watt, 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt standard household incandescent light bulbs are no longer made. Forecasts of the "solid-state age" on the horizon, a look at progress made with commercial LED solutions and the current "buyer-beware" nature of household LED lighting. A review of how GE Lighting's focus on quality, reliability and business investment will benefit customers in upcoming years.

"Consumers will continue to have options for how they light their homes," notes Petras, "and we're constantly innovating to preserve that freedom of choice."