California, now tough on technology

November 3, 10:59 PMInternet and Technology ExaminerAndrew Weiner

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California emissions are know to be the toughest in the country. Well now as Business Week reported, the Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to ban what the state is calling "power hungry TV's".

The full report is HERE, but to summarize it;

As early as Nov. 4, the state is expected to set new guidelines that would require retailers by 2011 to sell only sets that consume about a third less power than they do today.

As you can imagine, this does not sit well with manufacturers or retailers, especially given the economic times we are facing now. It is a viscious circle, as manufacturers want to sell to the retailers and retailers want the consumer to buy from them, and consumers just want to watch their TV. Concerns were already being tossed around citing loss of profits, jobs, etc.

The story actually cited a local (chain) electronics store that had over 90% of its tv stock as being energy complient. When asked, the local Walmart responded in kind to this writer.

Douglas Johnson, senior director of technology policy for the Consumer Electronics Assn went as far as to say;

Imposing arbitrary limits deprives the consumer of buying the television they want, at a price that's affordable to each individual

So far, this is still America, and freedom still prevails. If this goes through however, we may see the likes of smaller appliances and technology products regulated. What's next ? Maybe ice cream not made with energy star complient devices will be illegal.