On October 8, Media Access Project (MAP) will hold the third session in its 2009 MAPPING CHANGE series, as the forum moves to Silicon Valley for a conference exploring “smart grids.” MAP will bring together experts on communications, IT, energy, and infrastructure to discuss policy developments and implementation strategies promoting smarter energy management and environmentally sustainable technologies.

The Obama administration made a strong commitment, both in stimulus funding and other supports, to expanding the use of smart, efficient, and green energy. Some view this commitment as an opportunity for promoting smarter and greener initiatives in other areas as well, such as rural wireless and rural broadband. The forum will bring together green technology experts and communications innovators to discuss smarter energy and communications facilities.

Speakers will include Nick Sinai, Energy and Environment Director at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and a panel of representatives from the public sector, technology companies, telecom industry, public utilities, and public interest organizations.

Participants will explore the tremendous opportunities, as well as potential opportunity costs, from devoting communications capacity and wireless spectrum to smart grid use. Panelists also will describe challenges faced in deploying smart infrastructure, as well as synergies and savings arising from the combination of efficient energy, transportation, and communications initiatives.

*Title:* Smart Grid, Green Tech, and Communications: Addressing Our Nation’s Green Energy Future
*Date/Time:* October 8, 2009, 11:30 am – 4 pm.
*Location:* Cisco HQ, Darling Conference Room
150 W. Tasman Drive, Building C, Floor 1, San Jose, CA

MAPPING CHANGE builds on communications and technology challenges identified in MAP’s 2008 series, Innovation ‘08, and challenges identified during the Obama campaign and administration. Like Innovation ‘08, MAPPING CHANGE programs are free of charge, and take place in Washington, DC and Silicon Valley, CA.

MAP is a non-profit, public interest law firm and advocacy organization that, for over 37 years, has occupied a unique role as a thought leader on communications and technology policy. MAP promotes the public interest before the FCC and in court, fighting for open and diverse communications systems that protect freedom of expression, promote universal and equitable access to media outlets and telecommunications services, and encourage vibrant public discourse on critical issues facing our society.

Contact:

Kamilla Kovacs
Development and Communications Manager
Media Access Project
202-454-5685
kkovacs@mediaaccess.org