First Amendment Library:
Peter H. Schiff

In an effort to curb energy use, New York placed a ban on advertisements by public utility companies that promote the use of electricity. After the restriction was placed in effect, Central Hudson Gas and Electric challenged the regulation in court. The regulation was upheld before it was sent to the Supreme Court.

The question in this case is whether the First Amendment, as incorporated by the Fourteenth Amendment, is violated by an order of the Public Service Commission of the State of New York that prohibits the inclusion in monthly electric bills of inserts discussing controversial issues of public policy.