CES SPECIAL EDITION
109th Congress Adjourns on a High Note
The 109th Congress ended without passing any adverse IP legislation.  During this session, CEA opposed numerous efforts to impose unnecessary technology mandates on CE products, including the PERFORM Act, the Audio Flag, the Copyright Modernization Act and Analog Hole legislation.

On December 6, CEA and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) joined forces with a letter to the House and Senate opposing the Audio Flag.  CEA will continue to fight any such attempts during the 110th Congress.

Additional Links:  Audio Flag Letter 120606

NCTA Petition Would Impede Competition in Navigation Device Market
On November 30, CEA filed comments with the FCC responding to the National Cable and Telecommunications Association's (NCTA) petition for waiver of 47 C.F.R. § 76.1204(a)(1). CEA's comments urge the FCC to deny NCTA's request, noting that the request would effectively eliminate the requirement first implemented by Congress in 1996, that cable operators permit consumers to choose a competitive provider of set-top box equipment.

Additional Links: Press Release 113006; CEA Comments 113006

Contact: Julie Kearney

NJ Assembly Considers Right to Repair Legislation
The New Jersey Assembly is currently considering A-931, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act. This legislation would help to promote greater consumer choice, lower prices and a fair chance to compete for mobile electronics installers and manufacturers.  If you live or work in New Jersey, make your voice heard by sending a letter to your Assembly Member. To help in this process, a pre-made letter is available through the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) website.     

For the latest update on Right to Repair legislation in New Jersey and across the U.S., please click here.

FCC Chairman Martin Returns to Industry Insider Series at the 2007 International CES
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin will join Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA, for a one-on-one discussion of issues vital to every segment of the technology industry, including the digital television (DTV) transition and broadband deployment. Martin's session is slated for noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, January 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall N257. This will be Chairman Martin's second Industry Insider appearance at the International CES.

Additional Links: Press Release 120506

Cyren Call Petition Could Derail Achievements of the DTV and Public Safety Act
On November 29, CEA filed comments in response to the public notice regarding Cyren Call's petition for rulemaking.  According to CEA's comments, it is important to maintain the carefully crafted balance set forth in the DTV and Public Safety Act.

A rush to reallocate the 700 MHz band, which Cyren Call proposes, threatens to undermine the achievements of the DTV and Public Safety Act.

Additional Links: CEA Comments 112906

International Trade Promotion Reception at CES

Wednesday, January 10
6 - 8 pm
LVCC South Hall S222
Hosted by the Nevada Development Authority

Network with top trade officials from the State of Nevada, the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Customs and Border Control to learn about their trade services for companies interested in export and import opportunities. Other local officials will also be on hand to discuss how import and export programs can be catered to your company’s needs.

Washington State E-Waste Program: Registration Deadline Extended for Manufacturers
In 2006, the State of Washington adopted an electronics recycling law, requiring computer and television manufacturers to provide consumer-convenient recycling of their covered electronic products throughout the state.  Covered electronic products are computers, televisions, computer monitors, portable, or laptop computers used by households, small governments, small businesses, and charities.  Manufacturers must make electronic product recycling services available at no cost to these groups by January 1, 2009.  Manufacturers must register with the Department of Ecology and submit an administrative fee each year. If a manufacturer fails to register and pay the fee, their covered electronic products may not be sold in or into Washington State to any covered entities after January 1, 2007.  Please note that the registration deadline has been extended to January 5, 2007.

Contact: Parker Brugge or Joanne Sonenshine

Environmental and Energy Activities at the 2007 International CES
Come kick-off Green Wednesday: Environmental Awareness Day on January 10 at 9:00 am in LVCC N262, at a breakfast event sponsored by CEA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Verdant magazine.  

Also don't forget to attend these exciting events:

Wednesday, January 10, 2007
12:00-1:00 pm
Being Green: Federal and State Policy Developments in Electronics Recycling
LVCC North Hall N253

Wednesday, January 10, 2007
1:30-2:30 pm
Saving Energy with Electronics
LVCC North Hall N253

Wednesday, January 10, 2007
3:00-5:00 pm
State Recycling Requirements for CE Manufacturers and Retailers in the U.S.
LVCC South Hall S106-107

Also be sure to stop by MyGreenElectronics booth in the LVCC Grand Lobby next to Experience CEA!

Contact: Parker Brugge or Doug Johnson

The 2007 International CES Highlights Continue
If you will be attending this year's International CES, you will not want to miss these exciting policy panels:

-Congress Talks Tech (Monday, Jan. 8, 10:30-11:30am, LVCC North Hall N264)

-Copy Fights: Consumers and Hollywood - Are They Compatible? (Monday, Jan. 8, Noon-1:30pm, LVCC North Hall, N262)

-Copyright Versus Consumers: Where to Draw the Line? (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 10:30-11:30am, LVCC North Hall, N262)

-Using Your Wireless Device on an Airplane: Solutions, Policies and Next Steps (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 10:30-11:30am, LVCC South Hall, S102-103)

-Telecommunications Act Reform, Net Neutrality: What Changes? (Tuesday, Jan. 9, Noon-1:00pm, LVCC North Hall, N262)

-International SuperSession featuring U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 1:30-2:30pm, LVCC North Hall, N262)

-Get Ready for the End of Analog TV and Say Hello to HDTV (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2:00-3:00pm, LVCC North Hall N257)

GAC Meeting at CES
CEA's Government Affairs Council (GAC) will meet at the International CES on Sunday, January 7, 2007 from 12:00pm - 1:30pm in the LVCC South Hall S112/S113.  Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP to J. David Grossman (jgrossman@ce.org)

CEA Washington Forum
The 2007 Washington Forum will be held March 26-28, 2007 in Washington, DC.  The Forum, a three day progressive event on the must-attend list for policymakers and CE industry leaders, is the product of the former Entertainment Technology Policy and HDTV Summits.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ce.org/Events/event_info/default.asp?eventID=CEAE07.

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CEA Government Affairs Staff

Michael Petricone Senior Vice President, Government Affairs	Julie Kearney Senior Director & Regulatory Counsel
Parker Brugge Senior Director & Environmental Counsel	Veronica O’Connell Senior Director, Government Affairs
Douglas Johnson Senior Director, Technology Policy	Sage Chandler Senior Director, International Trade
Stacie Aman Manager, PAC & Grassroots	Joanne Sonenshine Manager, Environmental Policy
J. David Grossman Policy Analyst, Government Affairs	Christie McDonald Government Affairs Coordinator
Mark Ritacco Government Affairs Intern