| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Kristina Taylor tel: 703 907 4326 e-mail: ktaylor@CE.org |
CEA RECOMMENDS A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ELECTRONICS RECYCLING TO CONGRESS
Testimony Notes a Majority of CEA Members Support Advanced Recovery Fee
| Arlington, Virginia | 9/8/2005 |
In testimony given today before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(r)) called for a national framework for electronics recycling. The testimony came as the subcommittee convened for the second of a two-part hearing examining the issue of electronics recycling and the proper federal role.
"The consumer electronics industry has reached consensus on many elements of an electronics recycling approach," said Parker Brugge, CEA's senior director and environmental counsel. "There needs to be national consistency and a uniform framework...[the] approach should begin with a limited and clearly defined scope of products...major stakeholders should bear some responsibility for the recycling [and] best business practices should be established for recyclers to ensure the safe and appropriate recycling of electronics."
Furthermore, Brugge stated, "a large majority of CEA's members favor a visible advanced recovery fee...these companies believe that [a] fee is convenient and transparent for consumers, and is the most effective way to handle the large volume of historic product already in the marketplace."
Additionally, CEA suggested federal policy initiatives that could aid in confronting the national electronics recycling issue such as:
* Tax credits available to all stakeholders involved in the end-of-life infrastructure;
* Reasonable federal procurement policies such as EPA's Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT);
* The creation of a national third-party organization to act as a clearinghouse for product scope and to ensure stable harmonization of state-level systems; and
* Federal authority that enables states to ensure a level, competitive playing field for recycling stakeholders complying with state-level recycling systems.
"As we continue to make strides in eco-friendly design initiatives, lead the consumer electronics industry on environmental issues and be a part of the effort to educate consumers about electronics recycling, CEA stands ready to work with Congress and all interested parties to reach a common-sense, national solution that makes recycling as convenient as possible for all Americans," Brugge concluded.
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 $121 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.
Related attachments:
CEA RECOMMENDS A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ELECTRONIC