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Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jul 10, 2007

Emissions cap is key in addressing climate issue

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/emissions-cap-is-key-in-addressing-climate-issue/

Emissions cap is key in addressing climate issue Here’s a plan that offers a comprehensive approach and puts money in the pocket of every Minnesotan. By David Morris and Peter Barnes, originally published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 10, 2007 For Gov. Tim Pawlenty, global warming is the “defining issue of our time.” Our… Continue reading

Article, ILSR Press Room filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 10, 2007

Column: Emissions Cap is Key in Addressing Climate Issue

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/column-emissions-cap-key-addressing-climate-issue/

This column by David Morris and Peter Barnes argues for a three pronged strategy on climate protection. First, a comprehensive emission cap. Second, a carbon auction for suppliers of carbon fuels. And lastly, a universal and equal distribution of revenues from that sale. Three keys to an effective and equitable strategy to reduce global warming.

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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 6, 2007

Illinois Takes A Step Toward Carbon Neutral Buildings by 2030

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/illinois-takes-step-toward-carbon-neutral-buildings-2030/

On June 28, 2007, the Illinois Senate and House approved a joint resolution that adopts a policy that calls for carbon-neutral state buildings by 2030. They are the first state to address this particular green building initiative, a derivative of the Architecture 2030 Challenge, through a legislature. New Mexico’s Governor Bill Richardson adopted a similar but weaker policy by executive order in January of 2006.

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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 2, 2007

Washington and Montana Laws Attempt to “Clean Up” Coal Power

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/washington-and-montana-laws-attempt-clean-coal-power/

Laws recently passed by the states of Washington and Montana are creating greenhouse gas emissions standards for new power plants. The two states are relying on different approaches but each has C02 reduction from future coal plants as the primary goal.

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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 2, 2007

Community Choice Plan Adopted in San Francisco

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/community-choice-plan-adopted-san-francisco/

San Francisco’s Mayor has approved a local power plan that could achieve a 51 percent renewable energy portfolio by 2017. The Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) plan creates an innovative new financial structure using municipal revenue bonds (“H Bonds”) to make San Francisco energy independent and finance construction of a 360 megawatt solar power network and make investments in energy conservation efforts.

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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 25, 2007

Major Massachusetts Developments Must Estimate GHG Emissions and Offer Mitigation Plan

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/major-massachusetts-developments-must-estimate-ghg-emissions-and-offer-mitigation-plan/

In late April 2007, a new policy was put in place in Massachusetts that requires certain developers to "quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by proposed projects and identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate such emissions" The policy applies to developments requiring an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that need an air quality permit, receive state funding or generate a significant number of new vehicle trips.

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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 18, 2007

London: Making Motorists Pay for Their Emissions

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/london-making-motorists-pay-their-emissions/

London Mayor Ken Livingstone wants to further reduce the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by making motorists take financial responsibility for their own emissions. The first approach set to begin in February 2008 is the establishment of a Low Emissions Zone. The second approach still under debate would modify the current congestion fee by establishing an Emissions Influenced Charging Structure.

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Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 18, 2007

Legislation Authorizes Washington’s Public Utilities to Buy Carbon Offsets

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/legislation-authorizes-washingtons-public-utilities-buy-carbon-offsets/

On May 7th, Washington’s Governor signed a new law that effectively reverses a January 2007 Washington Supreme Court decision. The State Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the Seattle municipal utility could not purchase carbon offsets with ratepayer money. This case originated from ratepayers that were protesting Seattle City Light’s purchases of carbon offsets to counter the utility’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 18, 2007

Maine Passes Law Requiring Economic Impact Studies of Big-Box Projects

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/maine-passes-law-requiring-economic-impact-studies-bigbox-projects/

The Maine legislature has given its approval to a bill that requires cities and towns to evaluate the economic effects of large-scale retail development and to approve only those projects that will not have an adverse impact on jobs, local businesses, and municipal finances. The legislation is the first of its kind in the nation. Continue reading

Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 8, 2007

California Supreme Court Bolsters Local Authority to Control Retail

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/california-supreme-court-bolsters-local-authority-control-retail/

In a unanimous decision yesterday, the California Supreme Court fortified efforts by cities across the state to restrict the development of big-box stores, favor small-scale retailers, and protect the vitality of downtowns. The ruling (Hernandez v. City of Hanford) upholds the authority of cities to adopt planning and zoning ordinances that have a direct impact on economic competition and that treat businesses differently based on the scale of their stores. Continue reading