Reviewer: J. VincentEagan, JD, PhD

The state of California is planning to set guidelines requiring retailers to sell only televisions that consume about one-third less power than currently. The regulation may also limit new features that consume more energy, such as surfing the Web through the television. Critics of the regulations anticipate that consumers will buy televisions out of state, that electronics companies and retailers will raise prices of televisions, and that TV makers will cut back on television features.  At present most of the best-selling televisions at Best Buy already meet the federal Energy Star standard.

1. Research the critique of the Department of Energy's Energy Star standard by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
   
   
2. Research the 2003 suit against the U.S. Department of Energy's mandatory federal efficiency rules.
   
   
3. What has been the history of the national impact of California environmental regulations?

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