We at Gardco Lighting want you to be aware of this important federal legislation. It will have a great impact on Outdoor Lighting in the United States. It was signed by the President on December 19, 2007. The standards take effect with luminaires manufactured on or after January 1, 2009. It effectively eliminates probe start metal halide in 150W through 500W, with some exclusions.

Key provisions of the act include:

SEC. 324. METAL HALIDE LAMP FIXTURES

(1) STANDARDS.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), metal halide lamp fixtures designed to be operated with lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 watts but less than or equal to 500 watts shall contain—

(i) a pulse-start metal halide ballast with a minimum
ballast efficiency of 88 percent;

(ii) a magnetic probe-start ballast with a minimum
ballast efficiency of 94 percent; or

(iii) a nonpulse-start electronic ballast with-

(I) a minimum ballast efficiency of 92 percent
for wattages greater than 250 watts; and

(II) a minimum ballast efficiency of 90 percent
for wattages less than or equal to 250 watts.

(B) EXCLUSIONS.—The standards established under
subparagraph (A) shall not apply to—

(i) fixtures with regulated lag ballasts;

(ii) fixtures that use electronic ballasts that operate at 480 volts; or

(iii) fixtures that—

(I) are rated only for 150 watt lamps;

(II) are rated for use in wet locations, as
specified by the National Electrical Code 2002,
section 410.4(A); and

(III) contain a ballast that is rated to operate
at ambient air temperatures above 50°C, as specified
by UL 1029–2001.

(C) APPLICATION.—The standards established under
subparagraph (A) shall apply to metal halide lamp fixtures
manufactured on or after the later of—

(i) January 1, 2009; or

(ii) the date that is 270 days after the date of
enactment of this subsection.

We will be providing more information on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 in coming months.