Rep. Honda introduces bill to make tech devices more energy efficient

Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) will introduce a bill on Monday to make electronic devices more energy efficient.

Honda's bill is attempting to take aim at the explosion of iPods, iPads, smartphones, gaming consoles and other electronic devices that are fast becoming a new dilemma for groups trying to save energy and control greenhouse gasses. 

“This proliferation of electronic devices, if not made more energy efficient, will undermine efforts to increase energy security and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming," Honda said.

The Smart Electronics Act would require the Energy Department and the Environmental Protection Agency to assess the potential for adding electronics such as cellphones, gaming consoles and MP3 players to the Energy Star program, which designates energy efficient devices.

The Energy Department and the EPA would also have to issue a report on the global growth of electronics usage and energy consumption.

The bill would create a new “smart” designation for devices that are designed to limit their energy consumption and impact on the electricity grid.

“Importantly, this legislation helps us green the electronics industry by providing the private sector with reliable standards and incentives and by educating and empowering consumers to make smarter and more efficient choices – all of which help cool the planet,” Honda said in a statement.

The bill is similar to one that Honda introduced last year.

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