California May Mandate Energy-Efficient TVs

Regulators in California are proposing rules that will require retailers to sell only energy-efficient TVs beginning in 2009- a move strongly opposed by the CE industry, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The California Energy Commission is looking to pass the regulations by mid-year, with enforcement starting in 2011, with more stringent rules going into effect in 2013. Regulators are proposing the move both for environmental reasons, and in order to ease strain on the state's power grid.

Opponents worry that such rules would drive consumers away from stores and towards online retailers such as Amazon. Mike McMaster, president of Wilshire Entertainment Inc. and recently elected president of HTSA, told the Times that such roles "would be basically the end of our business."