Walk through a store or schools, and there's a chance the overhead lighting will come from long fluorescent tubes. Minnesota is taking steps to phase out those bulbs that experts say are harmful to the environment and human health.
In the spring legislative session, Minnesota became the latest state to ban the sale of fluorescent bulbs starting in 2025. The end date for more specialized bulbs is January 2026. Supporters of the ban say people already have a lot of safer LED options at their fingertips.
Eric Fowler, senior policy associate of buildings with Fresh Energy, said remaining fluorescent products still on the market pose hidden dangers.
"We're going to keep the market moving in the direction it's already going and transition away from these lights that, at this point, are unnecessarily hazardous, fragile glass tubes with toxic mercury," he explained.
Legislative researchers say despite recycling requirements for fluorescent products, they still end up accidentally broken or thrown away. That exposes custodial staff, waste workers and others to mercury, a well-known toxin that's especially harmful to pregnant people and children. Backers say the law change, passed with bipartisan support, also paves the way for more energy efficiency.
Josh McClenney, state policy associate for the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, has been tracking the passage of these laws around the country. He said while the LED bulb might be a more expensive purchase, businesses will find them to be valuable over time through energy bill savings.
"For the most common type of LED replacement, it's just about 11 cents more expensive and it pays itself back in less than a month," said McClenney.
Fresh Energy said switching from fluorescent to LED bulbs could save Minnesota close to 800 gigawatts of electricity in a year, avoiding 650,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
People who buy fluorescent bulbs before the state's end date will still be able to use them until they burn out.
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And: Highway 7 near Iron will be closed for about five days starting Monday; and the U of M seeks nominations from NW MN for Growing Local Leadership course. -
Megan Buffington/KAXENevis Public School reported the student for threatening to bring a gun to school on Sept. 11, 2025. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRThe Cook County/Grand Marais Joint Economic Development Authority is seeking 12-15 members from Cook and Lake counties to serve on an advisory committee for the Taconite Harbor Redevelopment Project. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBeltrami County is proposing a 41% reduction in community funding for libraries in Blackduck and Bemidji, as well as the Beltrami County Historical Society and Paul Bunyan Transit, for the 2026 budget. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars and hummingbird migration. -
The cost is 40 cents per pound for businesses and billing will be accomplished through the landfill office on Sept. 18, 2025. Computer equipment and other electronics are accepted. -
Events this week include Flapjack Festival in Brainerd, 'Annie' in Pequot Lakes, Open Mic Night in Park Rapids, Starapalooza at Long Lake Conservation Center and the Fall Bazaar in Buhl. -
Plus: Walz appointed a Roseau County attorney to be the next Ninth District judge; a new study from the U of M School of Public Health found that access to obstetric care across the country has declined, hitting rural communities the hardest; the Superior National Forest will begin prescribed burns this week; and Paul Bunyan Communications says progress is on track for its broadband expansion projects in St. Louis and Itasca counties.
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Contributed/USDA Forest ServicePrescribed burning will begin in the eastern portion of the forest in the Gunflint and Tofte ranger districts, with burns in the western part slated when weather conditions allow. -
Contributed/Commission on Judicial SelectionRoseau County Assistant Attorney Michael Grover will assume the bench in Roseau upon the retirement of Judge Donna K. Dixon in the 9th Judicial District.
