Green Technology

"SYDNEY, Australia (AP)—The Australian government on Tuesday (20-Feb-07)  announced plans to phase out incandescent light bulbs ... Legislation to gradually restrict the sale of the old-style bulbs could reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tons by 2012 and cut household power bills by up to 66 percent, said Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull."

"Australia produced almost 565 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2004, official figures show."

"Under the Australian plan, bulbs that do not comply with energy efficiency targets would be gradually banned from sale. Exemptions may apply for special needs such as medical lighting and oven lights."

"Fluorescent bulbs are currently more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but use only about 20 percent of the power to produce the same amount of light and last longer, making them more competitive over time, advocates argue."

Via:   LiveScience.Com   Link