The Consumer Electronics Association (CEAฎ) applauds the enactment of H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, passed by the Congress and signed into law earlier today by President Bush. The Act contains energy saving measures important to consumers and the consumer electronics industry including provisions for energy use disclosure, standby power consumption, and external power supplies, also known as AC power adapters.
This law finally puts in place a national energy efficiency standard for external power supplies, based largely on CEAs proposals, said Douglas Johnson, CEAs senior director of technology policy. Until now, there has been a state-by-state, patchwork approach to standards for external power supplies, which is a very inefficient way to achieve energy efficiency, added Johnson.
The new law also includes a provision that requires the Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, to prescribe disclosure requirements for the energy use of TVs, personal computers, cable and satellite set-top boxes, stand-alone digital video recorders (DVRs), and personal computer monitors.
Disclosure of a products energy usage is a key tool in empowering consumers to make intelligent purchasing decisions. Consumers purchase electronics through various channels, including online, and we are pleased that this new law focuses on disclosure rather than inflexible government mandates that would limit opportunities to reach consumers and ignore the realities of the marketplace, said Johnson.
H.R. 6 also includes a provision supported by CEA which strengthens the U.S. Department of Energys consideration and treatment of standby power, or the use of electricity when a product is not in its active or on-mode.
In addition to working with policy makers, CEA supports energy efficiency and conservation through research, industry standards, and consumer education initiatives, including myGreenElectronics.org, a consumer-focused website that provides energy-saving tips and an energy use calculator. CEA is a strong supporter of the ENERGY STARฎ program, which covers a wide range of consumer electronics product categories and has resulted in significant energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $148 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEAs industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.