The Maryland State Senate has removed the mandatory energy efficiency standards for direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and cable set-top boxes that was part of the proposed Maryland Energy Efficiency Standards Act (Senate Bill 394).

The original legislation would have required set-top box manufacturers to comply with the standards set in the Tier 2 proposal of the Federal Energy Star Program. However, the Environmental Protection Agency is reevaluating the Tier 2 criteria, and is due to complete its review by the end the year and implement its proposals next January.

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) argued that Maryland passed SB 394 into law, and the EPA subsequently decided to alter the Tier 2 standards, DBS set-top box manufacturers would be forced to comply with two different mandates. “This is an important victory for DBS subscribers, as well as set-top box manufacturers, retailers and installers in Maryland,” said SBCA President Andy Wright.