How can broadband impact global warming?

Wondering how to solve the climate crisis and make America energy independent? A big part of the answer is broadband, says the co-author of the recent House climate bill.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) joined FCC Chairman Julian Genachowski for an FCC field hearing Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The topic was “smart grid” – two-way digital technology that enables utilities and consumers to monitor energy use and increase efficiency. Or, as Markey put it, "an electricity Internet."

If implemented nationally, smart grid has the potential to mitigate some of our most pressing energy issues, Markey continued, and the expansion and upgrading of broadband infrastructure will accelerate its development and adoption. "Without the broadband revolution, you cannot have the revolution we’re talking about," he said

Genachowski concurred, explaining the two technologies rely on each other: "Smart grid and broadband are first cousins."

Markey has long been involved in telecommunications policy, and was responsible for charging the FCC with developing a National Broadband Plan. He is currently the Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

The Congressman even indicated that if the National Broadband Plan was successful, the greenhouse gas problem could be solved by 2050, so that "instead of pinning horrific consequences of inaction to that date, kids would instead have to look in their history books to learn about the issue."

The Department of Energy recently released $620 million in grants to utilities for smart grid projects.

Broadband and the Smart Electrical Grid (National Journal)

Smart grid potential gated by broadband (GreenTech)

Markey: National Broadband Plan Can Have Positive Implications on Global Warming (Broadcasting and Cable)

Digital communications technology helps homeowners reduce energy use (Speed Matters)