CEA To Push For National E-Waste Policy
December 14, 2010
| 4:50 PM
The Consumer Electronics Association plans to push Congress to develop a national policy on recycling of electronic waste.
During a luncheon with reporters Tuesday, CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro said the group is still working on what that policy should look like but said his group has managed to get industry-wide agreement on the need for a national policy on the issue instead of the piecemeal approach taking place at the state level.
Michael Petricone, CEA's senior vice president of government affairs, said industry players are still working on how to spread the cost of disposing of obsolete electronic equipment.
Unlike the European Union, the United States does not have a broad federal policy dictating how old computers, televisions and other electronic equipment that often contain hazardous materials should be disposed of when they become obsolete.
Another key issue for the group in the 112th Congress will be to push for policies that increase the availability of spectrum for mobile broadband and other new technologies. CEA supports legislation that would authorize the Federal Communications Commission to offer incentive auctions that would give broadcasters part of the proceeds from auctioning off spectrum they voluntarily agree to relinquish.
In addition, Shapiro also said his group will be keeping a close eye on legislation that is expected to be reintroduced in the next Congress aimed at cracking down on online piracy. The bill, approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, would authorize the Justice Department to file a civil action against a domain name linked to piracy or counterfeiting and seek a preliminary order to shut down the domain name.
Shapiro said the bill is "poorly drafted" and would further tilt the playing field in favor of content owners at the expense of innovation.
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus