A Californian politician wants to ban the common light bulb

  Assemblyman Lloyd Levine wants California to be the first in the US to ban the common light bulb, by 2012.

  The Assemblyman said compact fluorescent light bulbs are so efficient that consumers should be forced to use them.

  "Incandescent light bulbs were first developed almost 125 years ago, and since that time they have undergone no major modifications," Levine said. "It is time to take a step forward."

  The Californian politician said replacing one 75-watt incandescent light bulb with a 20-watt compact fluorescent bulb would prevent 1,300 pounds of carbon dioxide from being pumped into the atmosphere by electric plants. Carbon dioxide is a major component of the gases that most experts believe are responsible for global warming. Consumers could also save $55 over the life of a single bulb in reduced energy bills.

  Last year, Assemblymember Levine worked on legislation to promote energy efficiency and reduce global warming, to fight for better end-of-life choices for terminally-ill Californians, to encourage cable television competition and the humane treatment of elephants in zoos and circuses, and to protect our environment.

  Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is known for pushing laws that favour the environment, has not yet taken a position on the Bill.