Washington, DC is taking an important step toward a healthier, more sustainable future, and your voice can help make it happen.
The Shine Safely Act of 2025, introduced by Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau, Brooke Pinto, and Charles Allen, aims to phase out the sale and distribution of mercury-containing fluorescent lighting across the District. This legislation represents a crucial move to eliminate a common but dangerous source of toxic pollution for wildlife, in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
A hearing on the Shine Safely Act is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 at 10:30 AM, and strong community testimony will be essential to ensure this bill passes.
Why Shine Safely Matters
1. Protect Wildlife & Habitats Mercury released into the air travels long distances before settling into soil and waterways. This toxin moves up the food chain, harming fish, birds, mammals, and other wildlife. Mercury from broken bulbs can end up in groundwater or surface runoff. Once in waterways, it converts into methylmercury, the highly toxic form that accumulates in fish and can enter local drinking water systems. Reducing mercury at the source helps protect entire ecosystems downstream, from DC’s waterways to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
2. Protects Public Health Fluorescent lights contain mercury, a potent neurotoxin linked to serious health risks, especially to children and vulnerable communities with additional toxins that impact air quality. When these bulbs break or are improperly disposed of, mercury can enter our environment, contaminating the air we breathe and the water we drink. Mercury is a neurotoxin that, even in small amounts, can damage the nervous system, immune system, kidneys, and lungs, and may be fatal. Phasing them out means reducing unnecessary exposure to a chemical that is unnecessary to everyday lighting.
3. Cuts Energy Waste LED lighting is not just safer, it’s more efficient. Fluorescent bulbs use significantly more energy than LEDs, increasing utility bills for households, businesses, and municipal buildings across DC. This is a critical step toward meeting DC’s climate commitments. Buildings account for the majority of the District’s emissions, and improving lighting efficiency is one of the most straightforward strategies to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. The Shine Safely Act will help the city save money on energy, lower carbon emissions, and move closer to our climate goals.
4. Addresses Environmental Justice Toxic pollution disproportionately harms low-income communities and communities of color. Improper disposal of mercury-containing fluorescent lighting will end up local landfills that surround communities of color in DC and our neighbors in Prince George’s County.
When fluorescent bulbs break in landfills, which often happens during dumping or compaction, mercury vapor becomes aerosolized. This vapor impacts air quality and exposes nearby communities to toxic air pollutants. Shattered bulbs can also result in mercury settling into soil, where it binds to sediments and can remain hazardous for decades. Soil contamination poses risks to wildlife, community gardens (the food we eat), and areas where our children play. By phasing out products that contain toxins like mercury, DC will set a standard for equity in environmental health, ensuring all residents benefit from cleaner, safer technology.
Raise Your Voice and Submit Public Testimony
Public testimony is one of the most influential tools we have in shaping policy. When DC residents show up, leaders listen. You don’t have to be an expert. Your lived experience and concern for your community is what matters.
Please see hearing details below:
Date: Thursday, December 11 at 10:30 AM
Where: John A. Wilson Building and via Zoom (virtual and in-person options available)
CLICK HERE to Register here to give Oral Testimony at the Hearing Here: (Accessibility options are available for residents)
All who submit oral testimony should also submit a written version for Council’s review to the link below.
CLICK HERE to Submit Written Testimony Here: If you are unable to give an oral testimony due to conflicts in your schedule, you can submit your written testimony to this link for council review and consideration.
Lighting the Way to a Safer DC: Shine Safely Act of 2025
