Article, Rule
filed under
Energy
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 15, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/climate-change/2528-2/
In January 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC)adopted an interim Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Performance Standard(EPS) in an effort to help mitigate climate change. The standard is a facility-based emissions standard requiring that all new long-term commitments for baseload generation to serve California consumers be with power plants that have emissions no greater than a combined cycle gas turbine plant. Continue reading
Article, Rule
filed under
Energy
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 15, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/climate-change/2527-2/
Californiais the only state empowered under federal law to pass stronger air pollution standards than those set by the federal government. Other states can then choose California’s standards, but cannot be the first to surpass those set by the federal government. Thus, the passage of a California law leading to regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from cars eventually could spark changes in the design of automobiles sold across the country. As of 2009, at least 16 other states had passed legislation adopting California’s "clean cars" standard (pending waiver being granted by the EPA). Continue reading
Rule
filed under
The Public Good
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 15, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/advertising/2523-2/
In September 1999, the state of California passed AB 116, banning commercial images in public school textbooks. AB 116 is a strong law, according to the Center for Commercial-Free Public Education. It backs up a California State Dept. of Education policy already on the books, prohibiting advertising in textbooks. Continue reading
Rule
filed under
Broadband
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 15, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/2519-2/
Nebraska is the only state in the union served entirely by public power utilities. In 2005, the Nebraska Legislature passed a law prohibiting public power utilities from selling broadband or other telecommunications services for a two year period (Legislative Bill 645). The bill also created a task force to investigate broadband access in Nebraska and the implications of allowing public entities to provide broadband. Continue reading
Rule
filed under
Broadband, The Public Good
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 15, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/2516-2/
In late-May 2005, Maine’s governor signed LD 1128, which clarifies local government authority to offer Internet services. The act also instructs the State Planning Office to study the “economic, technological and funding issues associated with municipalities providing wireless Internet services to their communities.” Continue reading
Rule
filed under
Broadband
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 15, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/2512-2/
In June 1998, long-distance telephone company AT&T announced itsintent to buy TCI, one of the country’s largest cable companies. TheCity of Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon agreed to transfer ofcontrol of local TCI franchises to AT&T only if AT&T allowedunaffiliated Internet service providers (ISPs) to lease capacity on thecable network. This would permit subscribers to use an ISP of theirchoice, and non-affiliated ISPs would pay AT&T a wholesale rate forthe use of its lines. Continue reading
Article, Rule
filed under
Energy
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 15, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/climate-change/2506-2/
Many proposals addressing climate change advocate for a cap on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or carbon content of fuels. The limiting and lowering of carbon or GHG emissions will create a new market value for carbon. Many agree that there should be a 100 percent auction of carbon permits, and estimates indicate that carbon allowance auctions could raise $50-$200 billion annually at the national level. However, there are many different opinions as to how this money should be used. We believe that carbon cap with universal dividends on a per capita basis is the best solution and be the most politically acceptable solution. It will inspire substantial investment in clean energy technologies while protecting tens of millions of households from the impact from potentially steep increases in energy prices resulting from the cap Continue reading
Rule
filed under
The Public Good
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 12, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/noise-pollution/2449-2/
In 1999 New York adopted legislation to enable municipalities to regulate the use of jet skis and other personal watercraft on local waters. Using the public hearing process, any town in the state can pass an ordinance to prohibit the use of jet skis. All bans must not prevent access to federally maintained and designated waterways. Continue reading
Rule
filed under
General
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 12, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/noise-pollution/2448-2/
In 1998 San Francisco County adopted an ordinance aimed at reducing conflicts and adverse impacts in coastal waters. Central to the ordinance is the restriction of the use of personal watercraft, more commonly known as jet-skis. Under the law jet skis are banned within 1200 feet of the entire shoreline of San Francisco County – known as a "special use area"- including the east part of Angel Island and all of Alcatraz and Treasure Islands. An "access corridor" allows jet skis to launch from the public boat ramp and travel out to Bay waters beyond the specialuse area. The ordinance also includes a provision which allows citizens to file a private nuisance suit if harassed by jet ski activity. Continue reading
Rule
filed under
General
| Written by
admin
|
| Updated on
Jan 12, 2009
The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rule/noise-pollution/2447-2/
The first limits on personal watercraft came in 1996, when Washington state’s San Juan County moved to ban their use in and around the San Juan Islands. The ban was challenged by the watercraft industry, who feared such bans could become contagious. The ban was overruled by a lower court in the fall of1996, but county officials, encouraged by jet-ski critics nationwide, took the issue to the Washington Supreme Court. The local ban was upheld in July 1998 in a 7-2 decision (see decision John Weden II et al. vs. San Juan County et al) Continue reading
