The U.S. International Trade Commission announced an investigation February 2 into the current market, characteristics, and practices in the electronic waste export industry. The commission will conduct surveys with companies exporting e-waste to other regions of the world and will use other existing information to draft the report. An interagency group of officials from the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Commerce Department, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and other federal agencies drafted the electronic stewardship last year, calling for electronics purchased through government contracts to meet energy efficiency standards, requiring federal agencies to use certified recyclers, and pushing for an increase in manufacturer collection programs in contracts. The Commission will hold a public hearing May 15.