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CEA Applauds Virginia Agreement with Uber and Lyft
[August 06, 2014]

CEA Applauds Virginia Agreement with Uber and Lyft


ARLINGTON, Va. --(Business Wire)--

The following statement can be attributed to Gary Shapiro (News - Alert), president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, regarding Virginia's decision to give Uber and Lyft temporary authority to operate in the state, Maryland's designation of Uber as common carrier, and the Washington, D.C. Taxicab Commission's adoption of further ride-sharing regulations:

"We are thrilled the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has 'righted a previous wrong' by granting Uber and Lyft temporary authority to operate. This decision clears a path for ride-sharing services to enjoy a permanent home in the Commonwealth and provides Virginians with safer, more affordable transportation options. This move will help protect jobs, create new employment opportunities and reinforce Virginia's global position as pro-business.

"Specifically, we want to thank Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Attorney General Mark Herring and Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne for their leadership on this issue and attentiveness to the needs of Virginia's consumers and entrepreneurs. As the Virginia legislature prepares a long-term solution to provide ride-sharing options throughout the state, we want to remind those lawmakers of their state's growing national reputation: Virginia stands for innovation.

"At the same time, we have deep concerns about today's decisions by Maryland and Washington, D.C. to bow to entrenched interests and adopt regulations that will restrict consumers' access to ride-sharing services. As we noted from the moment the Virginia DMV issued its original 'cease-and-desist' order against Uber and Lyft, denying these innovators the ability to operate is anti-consumer, anti-jobs and exceptionally damaging to any region's claim to be 'pro-business.'



"Supporting innovation, providing greater consumer options and increasing opportunity are essential for our future growth. We hope policymakers in Maryland and D.C. will recognize this economic reality, follow the example Virginia is setting and give their residents full access to the ride-sharing options they deserve."

The Innovation Movement unites those who believe innovation is critical to American global leadership and economic growth, supporting public policies that encourage and advance American business and shore up our economy for future generations. To learn more about the campaign and how to join us, click here.


About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (News - Alert) (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $211 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES (News - Alert) - The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • CEA Innovate!
    Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2014, Phoenix, AZ
  • CES Unveiled Paris
    October 22, 2014, Paris, France
  • CES Summit
    October 22-25, 2014, Paris, France
  • CE Hall of Fame Dinner
    November 10, 2014, New York, NY
  • CES Unveiled New York
    November 11, 2014, New York, NY
  • CES Unveiled Las Vegas
    January 4, 2015, Las Vegas, NV
  • 2015 International CES
    January 6-9, 2015, Las Vegas, NV


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