What simply occurred? A bunch of democratic senators have penned a letter to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo demanding the federal government take extra steps to deal with the nation’s lack of a typical charging normal.
Last week, lawmakers within the European Union handed laws requiring electronics bought within the area to make use of an ordinary USB-C port for charging by the autumn of 2024. Some US leaders wish to observe within the EU’s footsteps on this matter.
The senators argue that the business’s failure to undertake a uniform charging normal is dear to shoppers and leads to extra e-waste and environmental harm. According to a cited report from the Global e-Waste Monitor, people generated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019 and solely 17.4 p.c was correctly collected and recycled.
The letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren, Edward J. Markey and Bernard Sanders.
Arguments may be made for and in opposition to the creation and enforcement of a uniform charging normal for cell units.
Such a mandate would certainly lower down on e-waste and save shoppers cash by not having to buy new chargers as often. Chargers would even be available away from house, so that you would not have to fret about bringing alongside your individual or a transportable battery financial institution.
On the flip facet, tech corporations might argue that such restrictions would stifle innovation and gradual the development of fast charging units.
What are your ideas? Should the US undertake a common charging normal for cell units? If so, ought to or not it’s USB-C or one thing else solely?
Image credit score: Screen Post, Markus Winkler
