Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2009) -- California is considering new rules that would require retailers to sell only the most energy-efficient High-Definition TVs, according to an article by The Los Angeles Times.
The rules, which are being drafted by the California Energy Commission, would go into effect in 2011. The Times reports that the CE industry is opposing the rules, saying it would lead to higher prices and fewer sets on shelves.
But California officials say the standards would reduce the state's annual energy needs by an amount comparable to the power used by 86,400 homes.
Environmentalists have complained for years that new flat-screen Plasma and LCD sets consume more energy than the traditional tube set; some say the figure could be as high as 43 percent more.
But until now, the issue has stayed out of the political arena in the United States, although officials in the United Kingdom have threatened to impose sanctions on Plasma sets.
However, with more U.S. government officials endorsing the 'green' movement, which seeks to reduce energy costs, it was a matter of time before a flat-screen's energy consumption became an issue here.
(Swanni predicted a year ago that this would soon be an issue in the U.S. Click here to see his prediction.)
California officials estimate that TVs in the state represent about 10 percent of the average monthly household electricity bill, according to the Times.
The newspaper writes that the regulations, if passed, would be phased in over two years.
"The passion is correct. The proposal is not," Doug Johnson, senior director of technology at the Consumer Electronics Association, told the Times. "We can accomplish this without regulation as a result of innovation and voluntary approaches."
The rules, which are being drafted by the California Energy Commission, would go into effect in 2011. The Times reports that the CE industry is opposing the rules, saying it would lead to higher prices and fewer sets on shelves.
But California officials say the standards would reduce the state's annual energy needs by an amount comparable to the power used by 86,400 homes.
Environmentalists have complained for years that new flat-screen Plasma and LCD sets consume more energy than the traditional tube set; some say the figure could be as high as 43 percent more.
But until now, the issue has stayed out of the political arena in the United States, although officials in the United Kingdom have threatened to impose sanctions on Plasma sets.
However, with more U.S. government officials endorsing the 'green' movement, which seeks to reduce energy costs, it was a matter of time before a flat-screen's energy consumption became an issue here.
(Swanni predicted a year ago that this would soon be an issue in the U.S. Click here to see his prediction.)
California officials estimate that TVs in the state represent about 10 percent of the average monthly household electricity bill, according to the Times.
The newspaper writes that the regulations, if passed, would be phased in over two years.
"The passion is correct. The proposal is not," Doug Johnson, senior director of technology at the Consumer Electronics Association, told the Times. "We can accomplish this without regulation as a result of innovation and voluntary approaches."
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