A number of lawmakers and public officials at the state level have promised to fight the FCC’s Dec. 14 vote to overturn net neutrality rules. The Republican-led FCC voted along party lines to eliminate the existing rules, suggesting they limited investment in broadband services.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman was among the first to promise to sue the agency.
“We will be filing a claim to preserve protections for New Yorkers and all Americans. And we’ll be working aggressively to stop the FCC’s leadership from doing any further damage to the internet and to our economy,” said Schneiderman in a statement.
Schneiderman has led efforts to uncover suspected foul play in the FCC’s commenting system, where he found more than two million fraudulent comments. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai stymied Schneiderman’s attempt to investigate the issue in depth. Schneiderman was supported by 18 attorneys general from around the country.
On Thursday, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced his own plans to sue the FCC, and Ferguson will also support the actions of New York State.
“Allowing internet service providers to discriminate based on content undermines a free and open internet. Today’s action will seriously harm consumers, innovation and small businesses,” said Ferguson.
A number of senators and representatives from states around the country announced similar plans following the FCC’s vote.
