Federal Communications Commission Moves Into Energy And Environment

WASHINGTON, November 23, 2009 - The Federal Communications Commission plans to hold a field hearing on energy and environmental issues this month at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The hearing, which is slated to take place on November 30, will focus “on how broadband can help the nation achieve its energy and environmental goals, including energy independence, greenhouse gas emissions reductions and clean energy generation.”

The hearing is one of a number the FCC is holding to promote discussion between the agency and the public on the development of a National Broadband Plan it is required to submit to Congress by February 17, 2010. Congress has asked the FCC to consider the use of broadband to advance solutions to national priorities such as energy, education and job creation.

Asked why the FCC was focusing on energy issues, an FCC spokesman said: “Among the areas the Recovery Act asked the broadband plan to address was how broadband can advance various national purposes, and one of those national purposes is energy independence and efficiency. Our recommendations would pertain to broadband's role in achieving these goals.”