Broadband Breakfast Club Exclusive Report
Green Energy and the Democrats – August 2024
Read all Exclusive ReportsIn the beginning of some of the most widely-known broadband projects in the United States, it was energy that was hard at work.
Take EPB in Chattanooga, originally for “Electric Power Board.” More than 10 years ago, as EPB’s Chattanooga was emerging as one of America’s first “gigabit cities,” broadband enthusiasts were recognizing the central role of the “smart grid” in driving fiber-optic deployments. Smart switches and meters became one of the early drivers.
Exclusive Reports - Broadband Breakfast
The Broadband Breakfast Club produces Exclusive Reports for Breakfast Club Members.
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Editor's Note about Democrats and Republicans
Editor's Note: Broadband Breakfast is the leading media company advocating for higher-capacity internet everywhere through topical, timely and intelligent coverage. Working with each of you, together we are building the community to leverage America's internet infrastructure for Better Broadband, Better Lives.
Broadband Breakfast covers policy and politics extensively, but is not partisan. We do report on partisan politics.
In July, in the lead-up to the Republican National Convention, Broadband Breakfast identified two of the technology and infrastructure issues on which the GOP and the Democrats were furthest apart. We chose Crypto for the Republicans, and Green Energy for the Democrats. On July 8, we produced an Exclusive Report documenting the Republicans' advantage on the issue – before venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz endorsed Donald Trump on July 16, and before the former president devoted an entire speech to the topic on July 27.
It is possible that green or advanced energy might play a similar role for Democrats. That's why we are devoting this week's Exclusive Report to "Green Energy and the Democrats." Don't miss the Broadband Breakfast Live Online event on this topic live from the DNC in Chicago on August 21.
Trump Names Fossil Fuel Executive Chris Wright as Energy Secretary
Wright has argued that the climate movement around the world is 'collapsing under its own weight.'
Biden Funded Factories and Infrastructure, But Trump Might Get to Cut the Ribbons
Trump, rather than Biden, could get to tell Americans that he built the country back better.
3-Term Democratic Lawmaker Seeks to Hold Senate Seat in Montana
Tester has supported bringing broadband to rural areas, while sometimes opposing Democratic proposals to tighten energy industry rules.
Biden Announces $3B to Reduce Carbon Emissions at Ports
'Ports are the linchpin to America’s supply chain,’' Biden said in a speech at Dundalk Marine Terminal Tuesday.
Biden-Harris Administration Spends Billions on Clean Energy as Election Nears
Besides the climate law, Biden-Harris are seeking to spend billions in projects approved under the infrastructure law and the CHIPS Act.
USDA’s Andy Berke Champions Fiber as Key to Rural Broadband Success
Broadband experts cautioned against alternative technologies under BEAD.
Little Agreement on Data Centers Except ‘Not Here’
Data centers are driving power demands but few seem to want data centers near them.
Debate Cheat Sheet on the Parties on Telecom and Tech
The world is watching America’s presidential election November 5, and tonight’s debate may be the only face-off.
Harris Accepts Democratic Nomination, Vows Support for Rule of Law and Common Sense
Artificial intelligence only tech or telecom issue mentioned by Harris in acceptance speech.
Broadband, CHIPS Act, Green Energy, Other Tech Issues in Democratic Platform
The platform links together investments in broadband infrastructure with policies promoting semiconductors and green energy.
Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.
Clean Energy is the New Dirty Word Between GOP and Democrats
It's hard to imagine a greater contrast on any issue – including immigration –between the current GOP and the Democratic Party.
Artificial Intelligence and Copyright
As AI technology adoption increases, legislators are looking at cracking down on copyright concerns.
House Requests Federal Energy Regulatory Commission AI Report
Tech companies are reporting higher greenhouse gas emissions.
In a Democratic vs. Republican Contest Over Broadband, Who Wins?
The idea behind 'Made in America' is to combine reindustrialization, national security, reviving left-behind places, cheering up blue-collar workers and reducing carbon emissions.
Crypto and Republicans: Navigating the Digital Currency Landscape
During the Trump era, GOP lawmakers emerged as vocal advocates for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Understanding 'Junk Fees' in Broadband
President Joe Biden has made attacking 'junk fees' a key focus of his administration.
White House Launches Federal-State Energy Collab
The Biden Administration facilitated 21 state commitments to prioritize increasing energy grid capacity.
Challenges of Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Rights of way, pole attachments, environmental permitting and other hurdles to broadband infrastructure deployment.
Navigating the Landscape of U.S. Data Privacy Regulations
There is a renewed focus on how best to protect personal information in an increasingly digital world.
The Smart City Blueprint for Urban Innovation
At play in Smart Cities: Data collection, smart infrastructure, IoT, communications technologies, regulations and more.
Data Centers Consuming Massive Amounts of Energy, Report Says
Data centers are expected to grow to 6% of American energy consumption by 2026
Unraveling the Complexities of Net Neutrality
Top controversies include 5G network slicing, paid prioritizing and exempting broadband providers from Universal Service Fund contributions.
The Challenge of Spectrum Sharing
At the center of the battle over the airwaves in the United States is the question of spectrum sharing.
The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace'
The policy and law surrounding the program to remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from U.S. networks.
The FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules
The controversies and details surrounding the FCC's rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination.
A Hidden Issue Potentially Impacting BEAD Implementation: Pole Attachments
Problems accessing poles could delay fiber builds funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
A Deep Dive into the BEAD Program’s Matching Funds
Will the program’s matching funds requirement stretch federal dollars, or hinder smalller providers?
Fiber Helps Co-ops to Save on Electric Grid Usage, Saving Money
Fiber can connect city systems to make them more efficient.
Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?
President Joe Biden Declares ‘Made in America Week’
Biden Administration’s Investing in America initiative is investing billions of dollars into domestic manufacturing.
A Deep Dive into Allocations Under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
What’s next for BEAD implementation?
Greater Private Investments Will Supplement Federal Dollars Expended in Build America Initiative
Private investments need to support federal money going to infrastructure projects across the United States.
Debt Ceiling Law Doesn’t Change Administration Priorities on Semiconductors, Advanced Energy and Broadband
With government action, America can reindustrialize itself, bolster national security, revive left-behind places and reduce carbon emissions.
National League of Cities Announces Bootcamps to Support Applicants to Federal Infrastructure Programs
The program instructs applicants on best practices to write winning grant applications.
Impacts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
When President Biden talks about his economic program, the CHIPS Act is the star of the show.
Lawmakers Debate Clean Energy’s Role in Resolving Supply Chain Fragility, China Concerns
The U.S. accounts for just 10 percent of electric vehicle production and 7 percent of battery production.
Early Registration Offer for Made in America Summit at the Samsung Executive Briefing Center
Register by June 9 to purchase a day-long pass for just $199; Breakfast Club members pay just $49.
Revisiting the NTIA's Middle Program Ahead of Funding Announcements
The NTIA is on the cusp of announcing the award winners to the states by June 30, 2023.
Broadband Breakfast Announces Made in America Summit on June 22
The event will examine how domestic procurement requirements will impact a historic wave of federal funding for infrastructure.
Broadband Breakfast on April 19, 2023 – Green Broadband: Internet and Energy Infrastructure
How can broadband providers electrify their installation processes and support the push for green energy?
Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.
Content Moderation, Section 230 and the Future of Online Speech
Our comprehensive report examines the extremely timely issue of content moderation and Section 230 from multiple angles.
What to Know About Build America, Buy America Provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Will providers be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?
What You Need to Know About the FCC’s Maps and the Challenge Process
The Broadband Breakfast Report for January 2023 lays out the things to know about the challenge process.
The 12 Days of Broadband (2022 Edition)
Broadband Breakfast presents the first of its annual '12 Days of Broadband' series about the top 12 stories of the year.
Premium Reports
The Breakfast Club produces exclusive, Premium Reports on actionable topics of broadband policy and internet technology.
$109 Billion for Broadband Bill, AT&T Fiber, Starlink’s 60 New Satellites, Klobuchar’s Antitrust Crusade
March 16, 2021 – Democratic lawmakers have introduced a $312 billion bill that would boost broadband, clean energy and public health infrastructure. The Leading Infrastructure For Tomorrow’s America Act, or LIFT America Act, was introduced Monday and is backed by all Democratic members of the House’
Last-Mile Delivery and Electric Vehicles: Why Congress Should Support Logistics in the Next Infrastructure Bill
February 3, 2021 – The problem with electric vehicles has always been that they don’t have enough battery to achieve a decent driving range at a reasonable cost, a group of experts said on a panel discussion on January 26 led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. That’s why electric cars have been eyed a
Building Better Broadband Underscores Joe Biden’s Top Policy Initiatives
January 5, 2021 — The digital divide afflicting the United States has become even more apparent throughout the pandemic, repositioning the issue of universal broadband access to the forefront of many Washington policy agendas, including that of President-elect Joe Biden. The Biden presidential campa
Members of Democratic Caucuses Call to Modernize Broadband for Rural and Tribal Lands
August 19, 2020 — Members of the Rural Caucus and the Native American Caucus of the Democratic Party made calls for modernizing broadband and energy infrastructure during caucus meetings on Tuesday. As part of the Democratic National Convention, members of the Rural Caucus opened their meeting by ob
Reactions to Moving Forward Act, Increasing Platform Competition, Service Providers Keeping Americans Connected
“There is no better way to stimulate our economy and create millions of good paying jobs than to modernize our badly aging infrastructure, especially now that millions of Americans have lost their jobs due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pa
House Majority Whip James Clyburn Calls for Closing Broadband’s Rural Digital Divide
June 30, 2020 — “Broadband has got to be the order of the day, going forward,” said Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., during a Tuesday webinar hosted by the Northern Virginia Technology Council. The webinar centered on the leadership Clyburn has exhibited in a slew of arenas, particularly, technology poli
House Republicans Say New Infrastructure Bill Will Be ‘Dead on Arrival’ In the Senate
June 29, 2020 — In a meeting of the House Rules Committee, Republicans said that even if the INVEST in America Act passed in the House, it would be dead on arrival in the Senate. The bill provides nearly $500 billion in funding for transportation infrastructure and broadband construction. Calling it
House Democrats Propose Broadband and Smart Energy Infrastructure Deployment Bill
June 22, 2020 — On Monday, House Democrats announced the Moving Forward Act, a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill aimed at creating millions of jobs, while rebuilding American communities with infrastructure that is “smarter, safer and made to last.” The bill aims to address long-standing disparities
House Democrats Grill Facebook Witness, Tech Officials on Social Media Disinformation
WASHINGTON, January 8, 2020 – House Democrats on Wednesday pressed Facebook and other technology observers on why tech companies aren’t doing more to prevent the spread of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital manipulation online. At an Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on “Manipulation and
White House Launches ‘Smart City’ Initiative That Links Broadband Connectivity to Urban Solutions
WASHINGTON, September 16, 2015 – A movement to make cities “smart” by using the power of broadband and information technology processing power is reaching critical mass, with the White House on Monday announcing a comprehensive initiative to support municipal efforts. Coinciding with the Smart Citi
At National Town Meeting on Smart Grid, Leaders Tout Role of ‘Microgrids’ in Energy Efficiency Projects
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2013 – Several leaders of microgrid initiatives from around the country spoke on the successes of their projects at the National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid on Thursday. First, Tom Vosburg, Policy and Project Manager for Fort Collins Utilities Light and Power
Experts Discuss Future of Smart Grids, Advanced Meters and the Need for Standards
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2013 – A panel discussion held Wednesday afternoon addressed advances in smart grid technology as well as the challenge ahead for the future, at the 10th annual National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid. Jason Wilson, Senior Vice President of Business Management an
Future of Smart Grids Intertwined with Smart Cities and Broadband
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2013 – A group of experts gave a presentation on the role of smart cities in advancing smart grid and other energy efficient technology at the National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid on Thursday morning. Eugenie Birch, Chair of the Graduate Group in City Planning
Broadband Breakfast Club Video on Smart Grid Initiative Plays Up Fiber and Wireless Role for Advanced Energy
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2013 – The status of the development of the national smart grid and its relationship to broadband buildouts was the center of discussion at the June 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club. The concept of smart grid is a marriage of intelligence and communications, said David Wollman, Dep
Utilities’ Economies of Scale for Broadband Fiber + Smart Grid Applications = Ultra-Fast Broadband Everywhere?
June 17, 2013 – The smart grid and broadband go together like mashed potatoes and gravy. And yet why is it so hard to get electric utilities and broadband experts to dialogue on the role that electric companies can play in expanding super-fast broadband? Tomorrow’s June 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club
Register for the June Broadband Breakfast Club Event: ‘Advanced Energy, Smart Grid and Fiber to the Home: Using Advanced Energy to Jumpstart Fiber Builds’
Washington, Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 – BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its June 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event: “Advanced Energy, Smart Grid and Fiber to the Home: Using Advanced Energy to Jumpstart Fiber Builds” on Tuesday, June 18th, 2013 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 707 7th St. NW, Washi
Advanced Energy
The infrastructure necessary for advanced energy also powers the infrastructure necessary for high-speed internet.
Clean Energy Standard Implies Smart Grid Build Out, But Chances For Bill Remain Murky
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2011 President Barack Obama reaffirmed the nation’s need for a Clean Energy Standard (CES) during a speech at Georgetown University Wednesday, once again raising questions about how smart grid technology will fit into that future. Implicit in bringing on a wide range of clean e
Energy Department Gives Millions To Smart Grid Projects
WASHINGTON, November 24, 2009 – The Department of Energy will provide more than $7 million to fund two Pennsylvania projects that are focused on advanced technologies that could be used to help build a more efficient electrical grid.
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 will take place on November 30, will focus “on how broadband can help the nation achieve
United Kingdom Defines Carbon Neutrality for the First Time
WASHINGTON, November 15, 2009 – The government of the United Kingdom defined the term “carbon neutral” this month after holding a public consultation on the subject. The Department of Energy and Climate Change, which was established in 2008 [http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/about.aspx],
Information Technology Sees Gold in Regulation of Greenhouse Gases
WASHINGTON, October 29, 2009 – Under regulations recently finalized by the Environmental Protection Administration, large sources and suppliers in the U.S. must collect accurate and timely emissions data of greenhouse gases. Information technology firms see big opportunities to find innovative solut
Net Neutrality Disagreement Between Two Former FCC Chairmen
Network Neutrality was the key sticking point in a Tuesday presidential debate, by proxy, between two former chairmen of the Federal Communications Commission chairmen: Reed Hundt and Michael Powell.
