The changes will focus on general service fluorescent lamps, which are commonly found in residential and commercial buildings, and incandescent reflector lamps, which are commonly used in recessed and track lighting. These fluorescent and incandescent lamps represent approximately 38 and 7 per cent of total lighting energy use respectively. Seven per cent of all energy consumed in the US is for lighting.

In addition, an investment of $US346 million ($A434.4 million) from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand and accelerate the development and use of energy efficient technologies in all major types of commercial buildings as well as in new and existing homes.

The commitments come after US climate legislation was passed in the House of Representatives in late June.

Commenting on the new bill on ABC’s Lateline, Australian environmentalist and Chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council Tim Flannery said that it represented a very significant development.

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“That bill seeks to reduce emissions beyond a 2005 baseline by about 17 per cent. For the first time ever, US emissions of greenhouse gases will peak [in] about five years from now. Of course we'd all like it to be more ambitious, but you've got to live with what's actually achievable in a place like the US.”

Meanwhile, the US Department of Energy is soliciting applications for $US3.9 billion ($A4.9 billion) in grants to support efforts to modernize the electric grid, allowing for greater integration of renewable energy sources while increasing the reliability, efficiency and security of the nation’s transmission and distribution system, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These investments will be used to develop a smart, strong and secure electrical grid that will help integrate renewable resources onto the grid, deliver power more reliably and effectively with less environmental impact, and create new jobs across the country,” said Energy Secretary Chu.