The agreement is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11 million to 19 million metric tons and nitrous oxide emissions by 34,000 tons to 60,000 tons over a 20-year period. That's the same as eliminating the emissions of 9 to 15 million cars in a single year. Electronic ballasts are major components in fluorescent light fixtures. They increase the frequency of the electricity to higher levels which improves the efficiency of the fluorescent tube. The efficiency of the ballasts has a direct impact on energy consumption.
Electronic ballasts are far more efficient than older, magnetic ballasts.
Under the proposal, new efficiency standards for electronic ballasts will go into effect on April 1, 2005. After that time, all fluorescent lamp ballasts produced by lighting manufacturers for the commercial and industrial new construction or renovation market must be energy efficient electronic ballasts that meet the new standards, rather than the older less-efficient magnetic ballasts. In the case of the replacement market, the magnetic ballasts will be available until 2010 for building owners to repair current systems. The Department of Energy researches, develops and deploys clean, efficient, and renewable energy technologies to help meet America's energy needs while protecting the environment and strengthening the economy. Energy technologies supported and promoted by the department will play a key role in providing Clean Energy for the 21st Century .