Keeping it Green - Fall 2009

This issue of Keeping it Green relates to new revised regulations for energy efficiency currently being implemented in California.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) regulations now will exclude larger TVs 58" and larger from its energy efficiency restrictions.

The proposed energy regulations for HDTVs in California that have much of the Consumer Electronics industry up in arms were the subject of a hearing in mid-October in the state capital of Sacramento.

According to the AP, utilities and environmental groups argued in favor of the regulations, which are presently before the California Energy Commission. A large coalition of retailers, manufacturers and other electronics industry figures is opposed to the measures.

"The goal here is a simple one," Noah Horowitz, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said at a hearing Tuesday. “We want to ensure that every TV sold in California is an efficient one.”

The regulations, first proposed earlier this year, would restrict 42-inch TVs sold in California to 183 watts or less by 2011, and 115.5 watts by 2013. Proponents say the regulations are necessary to ease burdens on the state’s energy grid, and also to meet environmental standards passed by the state three years ago.

The commission could vote on the regulations as early as next month. Stay tuned...

back to articles page