(Washington, D.C. – March 30, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing new requirements for computer monitors, digital picture frames and other displays to earn the Energy Star label. On average, Energy Star qualified products will be 20 percent more energy efficient than conventional options.

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.