Kentucky environmental attorney Sanders says EPA to require higher energy efficiency for digital display units to earn Energy Star label.

EPA announced new tougher requirements for computer monitors, digital picture frames and other digital displays to earn the Energy Star label. As a result, Energy Star qualified products will be 20 percent more energy efficient than conventional options on average. If all displays sold in the United States meet this new specification, the energy savings would grow to about $1 billion each year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from nearly 1.5 million vehicles.

To earn the label, the new specification includes a revision of existing requirements for computer monitors to a more stringent level, the fifth revision since products in this category have been eligible for the Energy Star label. EPA has also expanded the range of display products eligible for the label. In addition to computer monitors, digital picture frames and large commercial displays (up to 60 inches diagonal) can now qualify for the label when demonstrated to meet the energy efficiency requirements.

The specification for displays less than 30 inches diagonal will be effective October 30, 2009. The specification for displays 30-60 inches diagonal will be effective on January 1, 2010. More information on Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/