"Combining the energy expertise of the Department of Energy with the promotional ingenuity of Disney is a unique way to raise energy awareness," Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said last week. "I hope this will be the first project in a continuing effort to leverage the resources of the entertainment industry and government to encourage smart energy choices."

The 30-second TV spot will feature characters from the film who urge viewers to make the switch from incandescent light bulbs to Energy Star compact fluorescent lighting. The characters -- Remy, Emile and Skinner -- point viewers to the energy.gov Web site for more energy-savings tips that can be used at home.

The spots began airing June 15 nationwide, with special emphasis being paid to Virginia and California. They will continue through summer.

The move comes as legislation is being considered in several states to enforce the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs. In New Jersey, there's a bill to replace all the bulbs in government buildings, and similar proposals have been introduced in California, Connecticut, North Carolina and Rhode Island.