Touting record against Trump, AG Ferguson challenges FCC
Dec 14, 2017, 11:08 AM | Updated: 2:21 pm
The FCC voted to repeal net-neutrality rules on Thursday. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
As big internet service providers rejoiced over the FCC’s vote to eliminate net-neutrality protections, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson was preparing to challenge the decision.
The Latest: Internet providers applaud repeal
“Yesterday I sent a letter to the FCC asking them to delay their vote gutting net neutrality. Unfortunately, they did not. Today, I am announcing my intention to file a legal challenge to the FCC’s decision to roll back net neutrality, along with attorneys general across the country.
We are 5-0 against the Trump Administration because they often fail to follow the law when taking executive action. There is a strong legal argument that with this action, the federal government violated the Administrative Procedure Act — again.”
The FCC voted 3-2 to overturn the Obama-era rules that were designed to prevent internet providers from showing favoritism to some websites and apps over others.
“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,” Ferguson said. “I was proud to stand with Gov. Inslee yesterday when he announced that Washington state will step up to protect consumers in light of this disappointing federal action. I commend him for his leadership and look forward to continuing to work with him to that end.”
AT&T Senior Executive Vice President Bob Quinn said the company won’t throttle or degrade online traffic based on a site’s content.
