CEA Study Finds Electronics Significantly Reduce Energy Use and Carbon Emissions
A new national study commissioned by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® shows that using electronics to telecommute saves the equivalent of 9 to 14 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year — the same amount of energy used by roughly 1 million U.S. households every year.

The findings also indicate the estimated 3.9 million telecommuters in the United States reduced gasoline consumption by about 840 million gallons, while curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by nearly 14 million tons. This level of CO2 reduction is equal to removing 2 million vehicles from the road every year.

Additional Links:  The Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impact of Telecommuting and e-Commerce; CEA Press Release 09/19/07

Contact: Doug Johnson

Digital Freedom Campaign Highlighted in Politico Newspaper 
Earlier this month, the Washington-based Politico newspaper highlighted the Digital Freedom Campaign and many of its recent initiatives, including Digital Freedom University and its upcoming exhibits at various electronics and independent music conferences, shows and festivals.

Additional Links: Politico Newspaper Highlights Digital Freedom Campaign 09/07/07

Contact: Michael Petricone

CEA Highlights DTV Education Initiatives
Last week, CEA filed comments responding to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding digital television education (MB Docket No. 07-148).

CEA's comments urge the FCC to call on other parties in industry, consumer groups, and government, to step up their involvement and join the campaign to get the word out about the nation’s transition to digital television.

This week, CEA participated in The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) DTV Transition Public Meeting, Expo and Networking Event and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Digital Television Consumer Education Workshop.  During both events, representatives from LG, RCA and Samsung demonstrated their new digital-to-analog converter boxes. 

CEA exhibits at NTIA's Digital Television Transition Expo on September 25th.

Additional Links:  CEA Comments 09/17/07; CEA Press Release 09/25/07

Contact: Julie Kearney

CEA Applauds Cable Industry DTV Education Efforts
The National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) recently announced the launch of a multi-year, $200 million campaign to educate consumers about the transition to digital television (DTV). The campaign will involve public service announcements and other educational tools to help inform consumers about the benefits of the DTV transition and how to enjoy digital television today.

Contact: Julie Kearney

Pennsylvania Legislature Considers E-Waste Legislation
The State of Pennsylvania may be considering e-waste legislation in the near future.  Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Ross is leading these efforts, having worked on the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) model bill last year.  CEA will meet with Representative Ross to hear his thoughts on other options to which he may be open.  

Additionally, CEA's Joanne Sonenshine will testify before the Pennsylvania Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committeeon on the issue of e-waste.  The hearing will be held on October 4th. 

Contact: Joanne Sonenshine

EPA to Hold Workshop for Industry Stakeholders on Energy Star Set-Top and TV Specifications
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a workshop on Tuesday, October 16th (2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) for stakeholders on Energy Star set-top box specifications.

For more information and any questions you may have, please contact Doug Johnson (djohnson@ce.org) or Bill Belt (bbelt@ce.org).

CEA Seeking Unified Approach to International Materials and Substances Restrictions Policies
CEA is leading an effort to develop a guiding principles document, which would be used by associations around the world to inform governments on the extent to which EU RoHS (European Union Restrictions on Hazardous Substances) and other materials restrictions affect the CE industry. Ultimately the document will be joined with a standards document under development by a group at the American Electronics Association (AeA). The next step will involve consultations with the U.S. Government.  

Contact: Joanne Sonenshine

CEA Heralds Congressional Efforts on Peru Free Trade Agreement
CEA applauds the U.S. Senate for beginning the formal process to ratify the Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Passage of this trade agreement will open new market potentials for sales and distribution for all sectors within the technology industry.

The Peru Free Trade Agreement is one of four FTAs which deserve timely Congressional consideration.  Additionally CEA encourages the U.S. House of Representatives to begin its formal ratification process of the pending Panama, Columbia and South Korea free trade agreements.

Contact: Sage Chandler

CEA Member?

Visit CEA's Member-Only website for the latest Government Affairs news, contact information and documents.

Interested in Joining CEA's Government Affairs Council (GAC)?
Email publicpolicy@CE.org for more information

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 & International Affairs	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 Senior Government Affairs Coordinator