GOVERNMENT WATCH : Endangered Species?

With committee votes last week on paddling graffiti vandals and lifting the motorcycle helmet law, the Legislature has gotten its sillies out. Now it’s time for serious proposals. Enter the proposed California Air Conditioner Protection Act of 1996.

After all, the state Air Resources Board last month postponed California’s electric vehicle mandate and the Legislature voted last week to block the impending ban on the pesticide methyl bromide. Simple equity dictates that air conditioners be accorded relief from burdensome regulations.

The air conditioner bill, introduced by Assemblyman Bob Margett, an Arcadia Republican, would do that. Federal law now bans the manufacture of chlorofluorocarbons, including Freon, which thin the Earth’s ozone layer. Auto, home and office air conditioners can use either one of several alternative coolants or presently stockpiled Freon. Margett’s bill would permit the continued production of Freon in California until the year 2000, sparing air conditioners across the state the mortification of having to make do with substitutes.

To be sure, there is an issue here. Costs for stockpiled Freon and its alternatives have risen as federal and international restrictions take effect. And for many Californians, Margett’s Arcadia constituents included, air conditioners are nearly necessities. But we wonder: Who needs protection more, the legions of California air conditioners or an electorate that must endure such legislative nonsense?