The Senate Democrat Group is calling on the US Department of Commerce to adopt a European approach, forcing all smartphone manufacturers to build devices that meet the global charging standard.
In a letter on Thursday Addressing Trade Secretary Gin Raimondo and Senator Ed Mark (D-MA) along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), they called on the department to develop a strategy that would require a common charging port on all mobile devices.
The news comes a week after EU lawmakers agreed on new legislation requiring all smartphones and tablets to be delivered USB-C ports until fall 2024.
“The EU has acted wisely in the public interest by confronting strong technology companies on this consumer and environmental issue,” the senators wrote. “The United States should do the same.”
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In the letter, senators claim that proprietary chargers, such as Apple Lightning ports, generate unnecessary electronic waste and impose a financial burden on consumers who upgrade devices or own devices from a variety of manufacturers.
Marquis said in a statement mala Thursday. “This waste is driving consumers up and driving our planet even deeper into the climate crisis. I ask the Ministry of Trade to follow the example of the European Union and look for solutions so that we can save our money, our brains and our resources. planet. “
Contrary to EU law, senators do not require the Department of Commerce to legalize USB-C as a global charging standard. Instead, their call for a broader “comprehensive strategy” leaves the department free to develop its own standards. Under the EU mandate, critics have argued that al-Qaeda This would stifle innovation This prevents smartphone manufacturers from developing faster charging standards in the future.
Asked whether senators expect resistance from the technology industry, Mark’s spokesman said mala“Large technology companies are sensitive to regulation, and we are already seeing companies resisting EU action. Senator Mark believes that we must continue to confront the industry to make sure that their concerns do not come at the expense of the environment and consumer welfare. being. ”
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