U.S. Chamber's Space Enterprise Council Sets Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Space Enterprise Council of the United States Chamber of Commerce today issued four position papers outlining its policy priorities in the areas of remote sensing, radio frequency spectrum, space transportation and export controls.

"The Space Enterprise Council serves as the voice of the broader business community doing business in space," said Dawn Sienicki, executive director of the Space Enterprise Council. "This first series of policy papers establishes important goals reflecting the diverse interests of our members on commercial space issues."

The Council plans to bring top industry issues such as remote sensing to the forefront of U.S. space policy. "A lot needs to be done to make federal, state and local governments, and businesses aware of the value remote sensing imagery brings to the table. Imagery is visible information that brings visible results," said Mark Brender, Council board member and executive director of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications for Colorado-based Space Imaging.

Radio frequency spectrum allocation is another priority issue with broad implications for businesses and individuals, according to the Council. "Space-based applications requiring spectrum need to remain viable for broad commercial and national defense needs," said Phil Harvey, Council charter member and vice president for Telemetry Group Business Development at L-3 Communications. "The Council will seek to ensure that current spectrum allocations remain available now and in the future."

In addition, the Space Enterprise Council supports a strong domestic space launch capability, citing among its recommendations the need for continued funding for the Space Launch Initiative (SLI) and for financial incentives such as tax-free spaceport bonds and R&D tax credits.

The Chamber launched the Space Enterprise Council (www.uschamber.com/space) last year to bring industry together with the federal government on commercial space initiatives. The Council's members - representing an array of aerospace, telecommunications, finance, legal, advertising and other companies - are working to advance the interests of U.S. businesses in the commercial development of space.

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

# # #

01-140