Press Releases

17 Jan 2008

New Study Proposes Powerful Strategy To Expand Renewable Energy and Boost Local Economies

by John Farrell | Date: 17 Jan 2008 | posted in: Energy, Press Release | 0

For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: 612-276-3456 NEW STUDY PROPOSES POWERFUL STRATEGY TO EXPAND RENEWABLE ENERGY AND BOOST LOCAL ECONOMIES https://ilsr.org/wp-content/uploads/files/images/feed-in-tariffs.pdfMinneapolis, Minn.– (January 17, 2008). Several European countries and the Canadian province of Ontario have recently adopted feed-in tariffs, a mandated, long-term premium price for renewable energy paid by the local utility company to renewable energy … Read More

5 Nov 2007

The Policy Gap: Minnesota Energy Policy vs. Minnesota Climate Policy

by John Farrell | Date: 5 Nov 2007 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Press Release | 0

This November 2007 report by John Farrell, John Bailey and David Morris examines the impact that Minnesota’s energy policies will have on Minnesota’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. Even if fully achieved, the state’s energy policies would simply slow the rate at which GHG emissions continue to grow.

Minnesota has adopted an aggressive state-level greenhouse gas (GHG)reduction goal but Minnesota’s energy policy objectives, even if achieved, would simply slow the rate at which we are moving the the wrong direction. To significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions Minnesota must reduce energy consumption.

6 Aug 2007

Locally Owned Wind And Ethanol—Better, Not Bigger

by John Farrell | Date: 6 Aug 2007 | posted in: Energy, Press Release | 0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 6, 2007 Contact: John Farrell, 612-276-3456 x210 – jfarrell [@] ilsr.org LOCALLY OWNED WIND AND ETHANOL—BETTER, NOT BIGGER Wind and Ethanol: Economies and Diseconomies of Scale This August 2007 report finds that there are indeed small cost reductions from very large scale, absentee owned renewable energy facilities. But that these are … Read More

10 Jul 2007

Column: Emissions Cap is Key in Addressing Climate Issue

by John Farrell | Date: 10 Jul 2007 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Press Release | 0

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.

29 Jun 2007

Maine Enacts Landmark Law Requiring Economic Impact Studies of Big-Box Projects

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 29 Jun 2007 | posted in: Press Release, Retail | 0

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2007 Contact: Daphne Loring, Maine Fair Trade Campaign, (207) 777-6387; Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance (207) 774-6792 Maine Enacts Landmark Law Requiring Economic Impact Studies of Big-Box Projects Augusta, ME – Maine has become the first state in the nation to require cities and towns to evaluate the impact of … Read More

8 Mar 2007

Publicly owned networks are the key to universal access and healthy competition

by Christopher Mitchell | Date: 8 Mar 2007 | posted in: MuniNetworks, Press Release | 0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 8, 2007 Publicly owned networks are the key to universal access and healthy competition Localizing the Internet: Five Ways Public Ownership Solves the U.S. Broadband Problem This January 2007 report argues that a publicly owned information infrastructure is the key to healthy competition, universal access, and non-discriminatory rates. download the report … Read More

26 Jan 2007

Report: Energizing Rural America – Local Ownership of Renewable Energy Production Is the Key

by David Morris | Date: 26 Jan 2007 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Press Release | 0

This January 2007 paper by David Morris was originally published by the Center for American Progress. This report argues that Congress must recognize the dramatic benefits of clean, renewable energy on rural communities and then ensure that the federal farm bill policies work to maximize local ownership of the rapidly expanding biofuels and wind energy industries. Numerous policy options are recommended.… Read More

19 Jan 2007

Energizing and Transforming Rural America With a New Agriculture and Trade Policy

by John Farrell | Date: 19 Jan 2007 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Press Release | 0

This year offers a rare historical opportunity for our nation to marry energy and agricultural policy objectives. The new 110th Congress will be revisiting the 2005 energy bill and reauthorizing the 2002 farm bill, giving congressional leaders the chance to link increased rural prosperity and energy security. Two reports released today will be useful guides.

10 Jan 2007

New Report – Lessons from the Pioneers: Tackling Global Warming at the Local Level

by John Farrell | Date: 10 Jan 2007 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, Press Release | 0

Our January 2007 report, Lessons from the Pioneers: Tackling Global Warming at the Local Level looks at ten of the most visible and successful cities involved in global warming solutions and finds that reducing GHG emissions below 1990 levels will be a major challenge.