AT&T wants to help EPA

Verizon Communications arguably has been the more aggressive of the two largest U.S. telcos when it comes to environmentally-friendly strategies and technologies. But AT&T has done a lot, too, and, especially within the last month or so, such issues appear to have taken on new priority for AT&T. The company entered a filing with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) welcoming the opportunity--essentially asking for the opportunity--to work with the EPA "and other stakeholders to explore and develop cutting-edge approaches to combat the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

AT&T Chairman, CEO and President Randall Stephenson said in a statement, "Protecting the environment and economic growth can go hand in hand. As a nation, we can limit greenhouse gas emissions and, at the same time, expand our potential for economic growth. Communications and broadband infrastructure, like the network and services AT&T provides, will be essential components in driving economic growth and achieving meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions."

The cynics among us may read that as AT&T looking to protect its own economic interests as a U.S. President-elect with assertive environmental strategies prepares to take office. Still, AT&T this year joined the Green Grid, and like Verizon, already has taken many other steps guided by green thinking. Also, it's EPA filing contains lots of relevant ideas and info.

For more:
- Here's AT&T's EPA filing [1]