| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Kristina Taylor tel: 703 907 4326 e-mail: ktaylor@CE.org |
CEA EDUCATES STATE LEGISLATORS ON KEY CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY POLICY INITIATIVES AT 2005 NCSL CONFERENCE
Association Announces Top Issues and Industry Positions
| Arlington, Virginia | 8/16/2005 |
This week, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) will participate in the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) "Strong States, Strong Nation" 2005 Annual Meeting to educate thousands of state government officials attending the conference on key technology-related public policy issues likely to be debated at the state level in the coming year.
"The technology industry is increasingly fighting policy battles at the state level and we are here to ensure that state lawmakers understand the consumer technology industry and include our input in relevant debates," said Douglas Johnson, CEA's senior director of technology policy.
Technology is a major focus of the 2005 NCSL conference. Microsoft's Bill Gates is delivering the keynote address and about one quarter of the week's 150 conference sessions relate to high tech issues facing state legislatures. As a panel participant and conference exhibitor, CEA, representing more than 2,000 high tech companies, seeks to highlight and discuss the industry's 2005-2006 state policy agenda with state lawmakers. CEA's list of key state tech policy initiatives and policy positions include:
E-waste and Electronics Recycling: CEA is committed to finding a common-sense, national approach to the e-waste challenge, which will provide certainty and consistency for manufacturers, retailers, consumers and governments alike. CEA believes that the emerging patchwork of state initiatives will place unnecessary burdens on technology companies, retailers and consumers.
Energy Efficiency: Consumer electronics use only a small fraction of energy in the home. Regardless, the consumer electronics industry is dedicated to the design, production and marketing of energy-efficient products that provide consumers with a range of product features at competitive prices. CEA is committed to working with state governments and other stakeholders in developing balanced approaches to energy consumption issues. CEA is opposed to government-mandated standards that reduce consumer choice, limit product offerings and stifle innovation.
In-vehicle Electronics and Driver Focus: CEA believes action to address concerns over in-vehicle electronics and driver focus should continue through research, comprehensive public education campaigns and enforcement of existing negligent and reckless driving laws. Regarding in-vehicle video displays, CEA supports model legislation that encourages a consistent regulatory approach across the 50 states, which benefits consumers, industry and the law enforcement community.
Regulation of Electronic Systems Integrators and Installers: CEA believes that the licensing and regulation of home electronic systems integrators and installers should be conducted in a consistent and equitable fashion. In some states, legislative proposals have favored organized labor and made it difficult for independent installers and other companies to compete. CEA and other organizations are concerned about the impact of such legislation on consumers, local businesses and qualified home systems installers. A growing number of businesses and organizations are competing to meet consumer demand for entertainment, security, automation and networking systems in the home.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer
technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic
relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing,
distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information
technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer
channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $90 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at
www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are
reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards
development, market research and legislative advocacy.
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CEA EDUCATES STATE LEGISLATORS ON KEY CONSUMER TEC