<P> Governments around the world have passed measures to phase out incandescent light bulbs for general lighting in favor of more energy - efficient lighting alternatives . Phase - out regulations effectively ban the manufacture, importation or sale of incandescent light bulbs for general lighting . The regulations would allow sale of future versions of incandescent bulbs if they are sufficiently energy efficient . </P> <P> Brazil and Venezuela started the phase - out in 2005, and the European Union, Switzerland, and Australia started to phase them out in 2009 . Likewise, other nations are implementing new energy standards or have scheduled phase - outs: Argentina, and Russia in 2012, and the United States, Canada, Mexico, Malaysia and South Korea in 2014 . </P>

Why are incandescent light bulbs being phased out in many countries (including the united states)
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