Audio Video News

Leave it to California. The state that sets the bar for environmentalism awfully high is raising it yet again. Regulators in the state are getting ready to propose a new set of rules for retailers. "You can only sell the most energy-effecient televisions." They want this to start in 2011.

Saving the planet is great, but who do you think is most opposed to this new proposed ruling?

Obviously, TV manufacturers want everyone to buy their biggest and brightest sets, no matter how much energy they suck down.

Are you wondering how much power TVs could possibly use, and how much this measure would save? Planning to watch the Super Bowl? Californians use 40% of the power generated by one of their nuclear power plants just through their TVs. California Energy Commission officials state that the standard could reduce their energy needs by the equivalent to the power used by 86,400 homes. Pretty substantial.

Plasma TVs are the worst offenders, and manufacturers worry that sales will plummet, or that gray market products will take over.

Do you ever look at power consumption when making your home electronics purchases? --Leslie Shapiro

LA Times

Logo courtesy of GreenTV.org