California is now the first state in the USA to create energy-efficiency standards that HDTVs must meet if they're to be sold in stores and online in the state of California.
Starting in January 2011, the industry will be eased into the more restrictive laws, with manufacturers receiving a bit of leeway until they are able to release greener products. In 2013, the standards will become the harshest seen by the industry, with just 1 in 4 TVs currently available on the market able to meet all mandatory rules.
Due to the large number of residents throughout California, other state governments will wait and observe to see if manufacturers adhere to the law.
HDTVs up to 58 inches will be regulated, though the commission is expected to create rules for larger TVs in the future. Current plasma TVs use around three times as much energy as cathode-ray TVs -- LCDs use around 43 percent more than cathodes, PG&E noted.
Manufacturers and some industry insiders have complained the new standards may reduce innovation and could drive up HDTV prices that have continually fallen. If California consumers seek a TV that doesn't adhere to the regulations going into effect in 2011 and beyond, they can still purchase online and have them shipped in from out of state.
I would normally think this is just California lawmakers creating legislation for the sake of creating new regulations and laws -- but if it actually reduces money spent on power without reducing tax revenue -- then I am all for helping a state this inefficiently operated avoid building additional power stations run by bureaucrats.
