Washington, D.C., March 21, 2006 Legislation currently being considered in Massachusetts that would require manufacturers of products containing mercury to label products and to pay for collection and recycling efforts could have negative unintended consequences, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) noted today. The bill, HB 4670, could lead to inconsistent requirements and increased product costs that may actually discourage consumers from purchasing energy-saving electronics.

"EIA and its member companies have been at the forefront of efforts to minimize the use of mercury in products, and we support the important public policy goals of this legislation," EIA President Dave McCurdy said. "However, we have numerous concerns with the bill as written and have sent a detailed letter to the Massachusetts Senate suggesting ways the bill can be improved.

In its letter, EIA noted that HB 4670 would establish product labeling requirements that are inconsistent with requirements that manufacturers are already complying with in other states and would require producers to establish costly collection programs. EIA believes this could also make Massachusetts less consumer- and small business-friendly compared to other states by forcing manufacturers to increase prices for their products in Massachusetts to offset collection program costs. Product prices could also increase if a state-specific labeling regime is established.

"EIA's consumer electronics manufacturers are leaders in product stewardship initiatives and are working diligently to produce products that are more energy efficient and more environmentally-friendly," EIA President Dave McCurdy stated in the letter. "HB 4670 does not recognize that mercury is present in certain electronic products for specific performance and energy efficiency reasons. Mercury lamps in flat-screen televisions and computer monitors use only a few milligrams of mercury and are about ten times more energy efficient than other lighting technologies. Because of this energy efficiency, these lamps actually serve to reduce the amount of mercury in the environment, since the largest source of mercury in the environment is coal-powered electric plants. To recognize the advantages of mercury lighting, these uses have been exempted under similar laws in California and Europe due to their high energy efficiency. Unfortunately, if HB 4670 becomes law, higher costs for these products associated with compliance could result in consumers deciding not to purchase these energy-saving products. EIA looks forward for the opportunity to work with the Massachusetts legislature to improve HB 4670."

About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is the leading advocate in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. high-tech industry. The Alliance, which traces its origins to the Radio Manufacturers Association (chartered in 1924), is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies whose mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the $400 billion U.S. high-tech and electronics industries through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA's corporate members - nearly 1,300 - provide products and services ranging from microscopic electronic components to state-of-the-art defense, space and industry high-tech systems, as well as the full range of telecommunications and consumer electronics products. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Alliance is made up of the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA); the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA); JEDEC; the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA); and leading consumer electronics companies who participate in EIA's Environmental Issues Council. EIA is also heavily involved in cyber security issues through the Internet Security Alliance (ISAlliance), and education issues, through the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).