<P> The timeline for these standards was to start in January 2012 . By 2020, a second tier of restrictions would become effective, which require all general - purpose bulbs to produce at least 45 lumens per watt (similar to current CFLs). </P> <P> The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program in March 2008 established rules for labeling lamps that meet a set of standards for efficiency, starting time, life expectancy, color, and consistency of performance . The intent of the program is to reduce consumer concerns about efficient light bulbs due to variable quality of products . Those CFLs with a recent Energy Star certification start in less than one second and do not flicker . Energy Star Light Bulbs for Consumers is a resource for finding and comparing Energy Star qualified lamps . </P> <P> In 2011, Republican House members introduced a Better Use of Light Bulbs Act or BULB Act (H.R. 91), which would have repealed Subtitle B of Title III of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 . H.R. 2417 failed to pass in the U.S. House . </P> <P> On 16 December 2011, the U.S. House passed the final 2012 budget legislation, which effectively delayed the implementation until October 2012 . </P>

When will they stop making incandescent light bulbs