The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) today commended Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich for his veto of legislation that would have mandated a study of energy consumption of set-top boxes and could have allowed the establishment of a counterproductive energy use limit for these devices.

EIA and Alliance association CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) opposed SB 394, the “Maryland Energy Efficiency Standards Act,” due to provisions that would have duplicated the efforts of the federal Energy Star program and undermined its success. Prior to amendments that were adopted, S.B. 394 would have mandated a Maryland-specific energy consumption limit for analog and digital cable boxes, as well as satellite television boxes. EIA and CEA argued that the Energy Star program effectively addresses the energy use of set-top boxes and other consumer electronics through market-oriented incentives.

“We thank the governor for vetoing this unnecessary and counterproductive government mandate,” said EIA President Dave McCurdy. “The high-tech industry is the only industry whose products become smaller, cheaper, better, faster and more energy efficient year after year. Our sector manufactures products that are sold in many countries for global distribution and sale. Designing electronics to conform to various state-imposed restrictions or requirements would raise costs for businesses and limit product features and choices for consumers.”