CEA Urges California Energy Commission to Consider More Consumer- and Innovation-Friendly Approaches to Reduce Television Energy Consumption

Arbitrary Energy Limits Will Kill Jobs, Limit Consumer Choice and Thwart Innovation

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® released the following statement today regarding the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) draft language proposing restrictions on televisions sold in California. This statement can be attributed to Doug Johnson, CEA’s senior director of technology policy:

“CEA is disappointed that the CEC rushed forward with proposed regulations despite overwhelming opposition and concrete evidence of harm to California should these regulations be adopted. Independent studies show millions in tax revenue and thousands of jobs are at stake. Three state legislators called for a joint legislative hearing on the economic harm of these proposed regulations, yet the CEC has ignored legislative input and released draft regulations before that hearing could take place.

“We share the goal of energy efficiency and have worked with the CEC to develop alternatives that will achieve the same or better energy efficiency goals without killing jobs or thwarting innovation. The CEC has chosen to ignore alternatives and input, and small businesses and consumers in California will pay the price.”

The release of the CEC’s draft language signals the start of a 45-day public comment period. A public hearing is scheduled for October 13 in Sacramento, and according to the Los Angeles Times, the commission is expected to approve the measure in early November.

CEA is a member of Californians for Smart Energy, a growing coalition of small business and stakeholders across California who are dedicated to having a real discussion about meeting California’s energy needs without job-killing regulations that are harmful to California’s economy. For more information, visit www.CASmartEnergy.com or follow the coalition on Twitter (www.twitter.com/casmartenergy), Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Californians-for-Smart-Energy/118950385329) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/casmartenergy).

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 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 CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.

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