A year ahead of the federally mandated phaseout of incandescent light bulbs, California and IKEA, a leading home decor and furniture company, are halting sales of the bulb that has dominated the market since Thomas Edison introduced it in 1879.

IKEA will no longer sell incandescent light bulbs at its U.S. and Canadian stores and will offer compact fluorescent LED, halogen and solar-power lamps.

This month California received permission to implement the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 with energy-efficiency requirements that preclude the sale of traditional incandescent light bulbs. The law states that 100-watt bulbs manufactured on or after Jan. 1, 2012, must use 28 percent less energy than an incandescent light bulb, but the standard took effect this month in California.

State officials emphasize there is no specific ban on incandescent lights. Stock on store shelves can still be sold but supplies should be sold out by 2012, two years ahead of the federal mandate.

California officials say the transition now will save consumers $35.6 million in electricity costs.

The changeover will take place despite complaints about costs, safety and environmental concerns raised about compact fluorescents, which contain mercury that can be a health hazard.

They do not work as well in colder temperatures, and there have been complaints that the life span of the bulb is not as long as touted.

California and IKEA are leading the way on the mandate. But consumers will soon have no choice in what type of lighting to use in their homes and businesses as government, intent on changing their behavior through regulation, tells consumers what is best for them.

With all the talk of rescinding undesirable regulations and laws, the new Congress should target this mandate for repeal.