CEA Highlights Consumer Electronics Industry's 2006-2007 Key State Policy Initiatives; CEA Encourages State Policy Solutions that Protect Innovation, Consumer Choice and the Environment.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- This week, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) will participate in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) 2006 Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee. With a focus on issues such as energy efficiency and intellectual property, CEA representatives will meet with state policymakers to promote public policy solutions that protect innovation, preserve consumer choice and promote growth in the vibrant consumer technology sector.

On Tuesday, August 15th, Douglas Johnson, CEA's senior director of technology will participate in "Energy Efficiency and the Electronics Industry," a panel discussion that will explore the electronics industry's efforts to address energy consumption. Additionally, on Wednesday, August 16th, Veronica O'Connell, CEA's senior director of government affairs, will be part of a panel sponsored by NCSL's Communications, Technology & Interstate Commerce Committee entitled, "Copyright and Theft in the Digital Age".

"This year's NCSL conference presents an opportunity to highlight and discuss issues of common interest to state policy makers and the high tech industry, including energy efficiency and intellectual property," Johnson said. CEA's key state initiatives and policy positions for 2006-2007 include:

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.

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 alike.

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.

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.

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 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, 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 $125 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

--  CEA Industry Forum
    October 16-18, 2006, San Francisco, CA

--  New York Press Preview
    November 8, 2006, New York, NY

--  CES Unveiled@NY
    November 8, 2006, New York, NY

--  EHX Fall 2006
    November 14 -17, 2006, Long Beach, CA

--  CONNECTIONS(TM) Europe: Strategies for Digital Living Markets
    November 14-16, 2006, Berlin, Germany

--  CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES
    January 6, 2007, Las Vegas, NV

--  2007 International CES
    January 8-11, 2007, Las Vegas, NV

--  EHX Spring 2007
    March 6 - 10, 2007, Orlando, FL