April ALA Public Policy Updates

EFFICIENCY

ALA & NEMA Submit Recessed Downlight Comments

In April, ALA joined NEMA in submitting comments to ENERGY STAR’s Version 1.0 Draft 1 product specification for recessed downlights. ENERGY STAR put forth the draft because of the request ALA and NEMA made during the review process for ENERGY STAR’s lamps and luminaires specification sunset proposal.

After reviewing the draft, it became clear that the draft was not workable in its existing form. The draft defines the scope of the specification and outlines the test criteria, the performance metrics and the requirements for certification, lumen maintenance, rated life, serviceability, controls, labeling and more. The draft also describes the process for determining an effective date that would align with the end of the ENERGY STAR luminaire specification.

Read the recessed downlight ENERGY STAR Version 1.0 Draft 1.

Thanks to the direct input from manufacturing members, ALA and NEMA submitted constructive comments aimed at improving the draft before it is finalized. Amongst other points, the comments focused on setting an appropriate efficacy level and establishing a reasonable effective date.

Read ALA & NEMA’s joint comments.

California Officially Ends Bulb-in-the-Box for Portable Luminaires

This week, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) gave the final approval on California Energy Commission’s repeal of the bulb-in-the-box requirements for portable luminaires.

The effective date is April 25, 2023.

Read OAL’s Notice of Approval of Regulatory Action, including the Final Regulatory Text.

Ending bulb-in-the-box for portable luminaires is a significant milestone in ALA’s public policy efforts that was several years in the making. ALA aims to build on the success of this effort by introducing legislation in Washington, D.C., to end the bulb-in-the-box requirement for ceiling fan light kits. More information on this future legislative push will be forthcoming.

LABOR

West Coast Ports: Labor Negotiations Progress

Reports have surfaced that progress has been made in the negotiations to resolve the labor dispute at West Coast ports. Both sides involved have affirmed these reports, but the two sides also acknowledge that several key issues remain unresolved.

Despite the progress, labor disruptions are increasingly impacting operations at ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Read more on the negotiations.

COMMITTEE MEETING

Public Policy Committee Meeting in June

ALA’s Public Policy Committee, formerly known as the Government Engagement Committee, will be holding its quarterly meeting during June Lightovation. Committee members and those interested in learning more about ALA’s government policy efforts are encouraged to participate. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 22, and will be held in hybrid format.

Attending Lightovation? Please plan to attend in person.

Not able to make it to Dallas? A meeting link will be published in May.

In the meantime, please email michael@alalighting.com with any questions.