Assemblyman Lloyd Levine says compact fluorescent bulbs are about 75 percent more efficient than the basic incandescent we’ve been buying for years.  That’s why the Democrat has authored a measure to ban the sale of the traditional bulbs by the year 2012:

“In California, 2% of our state’s energy is used just to power incandescent light bulbs.  If we were to save 75% of that energy, and reduce our power needs by that much, it would be the equivalent of taking 400-thousand cars off the road.”

Critics say the fluorescents cost more, but Levine says that’s a misconception.  He argues they’re widely available, and people aren’t using them because they’re not informed.  But Republican Assemblyman Cameron Smyth says it should be up to the consumer. 

“Philosophically I don’t believe it should be the government’s role to mandate those changes being made.  Let individuals make those decisions for themselves.”

The bill heads next to an environmental committee. 

Bill number:  AB 722