Whether the federally-mandated Smart Grid violates constitutional rights through potential infringements on privacy, free speech, religious freedom, and property rights

We live in a fast-paced society where technological innovations make possible the most unthinkable forms of trespass. Never before have policy-makers had to confront this issue. Uproar over the revelations of former government contractor, Edward Snowden, has sparked a public policy debate about our national surveillance programs. Similar information technologies are being deployed at the state level for various purposes, such as measuring energy consumption. The Smart Grid is one such program. At the heart of this matter lies the ultimate question of 1. Whether the federally-mandated, federallyfunded, state-run Smart Grid violates constitutional rights: a. By chilling freedom of speech and the right to petition for redress? b. By violating the Free Exercise Clause and the Religious Freedoms Restoration Act (RFRA)? c. As an unwarranted search or seizure prohibited by the Fourth Amendment? d. By usurping private property rights or liberties guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment? e. By skirting due process of law during its approval, implementation, or oversight? f. By violating the Right to Privacy?