California is will introduce a bill to ban all incandescent light bulbs in the state by the year 2012, to force people to use more energy efficient, florescent bulbs. These florescent bulbs use one quarter of the electricity, generate 70 percent less heat, and can last 13 times longer than the traditional light bulbs. In 2005, 100 million of these new bulbs were sold in the US, but this year, Walmart Stores Inc. wants to sell 100 million on its own. If consumers switch to florescent light bulbs, they could save $40-50 per year.

California has passed several other environmental initiatives including a bill requiring supermarkets to recycle plastic bags, and a state-wide mandate to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent by the year 2020.

Source: MSNBC.com, Ban traditional light bulbs? California eyes idea, January 31.