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Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | 3 Comments | Updated on Apr 20, 2009

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Comments

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/broadband-technology-opportunities-program-comments/

ILSR submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (in the Department of Commerce) and the Rural Utilities Service regarding the Broadband Technology Opportunies Program – a program established by the stimulus package to distribute grants to build information networks and expand broadband networks.

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Article, Resource filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Apr 19, 2009

The Ethics of Sustainability

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/presentation-ethics-sustainability/

David Morris spoke on Earth Day to the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis on ethics.  He began with some definitions:

Ethics is a set of moral values and standards that guide our conduct. Those moral values and standards are not the same in all societies. Our own country offers an excellent example.  Indeed, we consider our history and culture so unique that our leaders often use the term American Exceptionalism to describe our economic and social niche. 

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Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Apr 17, 2009

Changing Landscape of Federal Broadband Policy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/changing-landscape-federal-broadband-policy/

 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:

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Article, ILSR Press Room filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Apr 17, 2009

CapX Transmission Line Decision Ignored Current Economic Realities

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/capx-transmission-line-decision-ignored-current-economic-realities/

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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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 1 Comment | Updated on Apr 14, 2009

Report: Feed-in Tariffs in America

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/report-feedin-tariffs-america/

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.

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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Apr 14, 2009

No Green Without Green: the uphill fight for renewable energy in a recession

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/no-green-without-green-uphill-ght-renewable-energy-recession/

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.

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Article filed under General | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Apr 10, 2009

The New NewRules.org

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/new-newrulesorg/

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

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Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Apr 9, 2009

Federal Government Encourages Public Ownership for Broadband

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/federal-government-encourages-public-ownership-broadband/

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. 

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Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Apr 8, 2009

Vidchat Discussion on Community Networks and Broadband Stimulus

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/vidchat-discussion-community-networks-and-broadband-stimulus/

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

Article, ILSR Press Room filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 30, 2009

Broadband Stimulus Should Favor Non Profits and Community Ownership

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/broadband-stimulus-should-favor-non-profits-and-community-ownership/

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