U.S telecom giant AT&T has said that it welcomes the opportunity to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other stakeholders to explore and develop approaches to combat the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Currently, the EPA is evaluating the provisions of the Clean Air Act, which may be used to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

 

AT&T (News - Alert), in its filing with the EPA, told regulators that the company and the information and communications technology (ICT) industry are in position to develop and advance solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

The company said there are plenty of opportunities to increase energy efficiency and productivity while reducing carbon emissions including decreasing energy-intensive travel through telecommuting, teleconferencing and other services.

 

Additional opportunities may include providing centralized data management, Internet, communications and software service for customers; rationalizing transportation and distribution systems using next-generation dispatching and planning software combined with satellite-based GPS systems.

 

Also, company said that the electronic billing, online provision of governmental services and online delivery of goods and services offer the opportunity to dematerialize public and commercial activities.

 

Randall Stephenson, chairman, CEO and president at AT&T, believes that environment protection and economic growth can go “hand in hand.” Along with limiting greenhouse emissions, the U.S can also expand the potential for economic growth.

 

He expects communications and broadband infrastructure - such as network and services provided by the company - to be essential components in driving economic growth and achieving meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

 

At present, the company said it is assessing the role that ICT products and services can play in reducing emissions and increase energy efficiencies.

 

Earlier this year, for example, the company collaborated with Cisco (News - Alert) Systems to introduce AT&T Telepresence Solution which provides an in-person experience through video conferencing and in addition, the company provides a host of capabilities out of its Internet data centers that offer centralized and virtual computing capability to enterprises.

 

AT&T said that it too is facing a continued increase in energy needs and to tackle the needs, has undertaken a number of initiatives including the addition of new fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles that lowers vehicle operating costs while contributing to a cleaner environment and has invested in alternative and renewable energy sources.