Noah Horowitz is a senior scientist in NRDC's energy program gives an in-depth review of the latest DOE light bulb energy efficiency standards and its impact in the U.S. market.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) made history again today when it set minimum energy efficiency standards for small diameter directional light bulbs used for accent, spot and track lighting that will be the most stringent in the world. The reflector bulbs, which are less than 2.25 inches in diameter, are most commonly found in retail stores, museums, and hotels, and increasingly in new and remodeled homes.

The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) authority to design rules and incentives that allow electricity customers to get paid for reducing consumption during periods of high energy demand. The decision keeps the door open for important clean energy resources to compete with traditional fossil plants in regional energy markets and save customers money on their electricity bills.