Public entities are increasingly recognized as important to expanding broadband access.
A panel from the Freedom to Connect conference discussd the changing nature of broadband policy using the stimulus package as an example:
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) and the North American Water Office (NAWO) find today’s decision by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to approve nearly $2 billion in ratepayer money for 650 miles of new high voltage transmission lines (known as CapX) to be willfully shortsighted. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s decision represents a slap in the face to Minnesota ratepayers and deals another setback for building a homegrown, decentralized energy future.
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There’s a renewable energy policy with a record of incredible success, so why aren’t we using it in America? Our April 2009 paper briefly explores the history of feed-in tariffs (FITs) in Europe – the rise and fall of this policy in Denmark and the rise and rise of FITs in Germany – and then outlines why it would be a much simpler, more cost-effective, and better economic driver for reaching America’s renewable energy goals.
American renewable energy policy consists of a byzantine mix of tax incentives, rebates, state mandates, and utility programs. The complexity of the system results in more difficult and costly renewable electricity generation, and hampers the ability of states and communities to maximize the benefits of their renewable energy resources.
Upcoming Event in Minneapolis!
A talk by David Morris at 7PM on Sunday, April 26. Join ILSR and the DFL Education Foundation in a discussion of the challenges to environmental and renewable energy policy in an economic crisis.
Welcome to the new NewRules.org
Everything that was on the last web site is on this one, and more. We’ve redesigned the site to allow it to be informed by more voices and more perspectives. We have added the ability to comment on the content.
In addition to our collection of rules, we are continuing to aggregate our commentaries and articles, audio, video, and publications. But there is so much
The stimulus bill prioritizes public entities and nonprofits for grants to build broadband networks.
When Congress passed the stimulus package (ARRA), it included $7.2billion to build broadband networks to those who are unserved orunderserved (both terms that must still be defined). In defined whatentities are eligible for grants, the statute expresses a preferencefor publicly owned networks. States and political subdivisions arelisted first and nonprofit organizations second. Listed third areother entities, including incumbent providers, which are only eligibleif they are found to be in the public good.
App-rising.com‘s Geoff Daily interviews Christopher Mitchell about who should receive grants from the broadband stimulus funds and what technologies should be prioritized. 15 minutes long. Continue reading
The Federal Government is currently taking public comments on how to distribute the $7.2 billion in the stimulus package allocated to improve broadband access and speeds. Continue reading
Thanks to a well-organized grassroots campaign, Plaistow, NH, residents voted down (80% opposed) a request by Wal-Mart to rezone residential property to make way for a supercenter. Continue reading
The grassroots group, East Toronto Community Coalition, was awarded for its efforts when the Ontario Municipal Board rejected a developer’s plan to bring a big-box plaza to the Toronto neighborhood of Leslieville. Continue reading
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