As of January 1, 2025, Illinois has officially banned the sale and distribution of compact fluorescent light bulbs under a new law signed by Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker. House Bill 2363, introduced by Rep. Nicholas Smith (D-Chicago), is among nearly 300 new laws taking effect in the state with the start of the new year.
The law specifically targets screw-base and bayonet-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), with restrictions on other forms like pin-base and linear fluorescent lamps set to follow in 2027. Supporters of the measure cite environmental concerns, particularly the release of mercury—a toxic pollutant—when CFLs are improperly disposed of.
Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove), who sponsored the bill in the Senate, defended the ban by pointing to data from the Public Interest Research Group showing that roughly 75% of fluorescent lamps are not disposed of correctly, leading to mercury pollution.
Despite bipartisan support, concerns remain over the practical impact of the law, especially on small businesses and consumers already grappling with rising costs. Rep. Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen), who voted for the bill, cautioned that unfunded mandates and additional regulatory burdens could hurt small businesses. “There’s more red tape that we have to push people through,” La Ha said.
The push to eliminate CFLs comes nearly two decades after environmental activists and politicians, including Al Gore, encouraged Americans to switch from incandescent bulbs to CFLs in the wake of the 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Now, the environmental lobby has turned to LEDs as the preferred energy-efficient lighting option.
Tosi Ufodike, a 2026 Republican House candidate who previously ran against Democrat Rep. Nabeela Syed, acknowledged the shift toward LED lighting but emphasized the need to consider cost. “Suburban voters are stretched thin,” she said. “They’re worried about gas. They’re worried about putting food on the table. As long as it’s done with the taxpayer in mind, then I’m ok with it.”
Illinois follows Vermont, which became the first U.S. state to ban fluorescent bulbs in 2022. Critics argue that the bans often prioritize environmental symbolism over cost-effective solutions for working families.
