Wednesday, Sept. 13, slightly more than a year after stakeholders testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Mike Thomson (D-CA) and Zack Wamp (R-TN), the co-chairs of the Congressional E-Waste Working Group, assembled representatives from industry, state governments and environmental organizations to discuss electronics recycling.
Parker Brugge, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) senior director and environmental counsel, issued the following statement regarding the discussion:
“CEA believes strongly that electronics recycling is a national issue that requires a national solution. To date, four states have passed electronics recycling laws, each differing in standards and scope. This state-by-state approach is unworkable in the long term.
“CEA commends the leaders from the United States Congress for working to bring together stakeholders and make this crucial first step toward a national solution for electronics recycling.
“CEA is pleased to be part of the federal policymaking discussion being lead by the House E-Waste Working Group. We stand ready to work with the House, Senate and any and all interested parties to ensure that a successful national framework which involves manufacturers, retailers, consumers and non-profit organizations is achieved.”
The Consumer Electronics Association is a trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. The association represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels.