Reports

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

9 Jan 2007

Localizing the Internet: Five Ways Public Ownership Solves the U.S. Broadband Problem

by Becca | Date: 9 Jan 2007 | posted in: information, MuniNetworks | 0

A new report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance argues that a publicly owned information infrastructure is the key to healthy competition, universal access, and non-discriminatory networks.

“Localizing the Internet: Five Ways Public Ownership Solves the U.S. Broadband Problem” notes that high speed broadband is becoming ever more widespread. But, it argues, the way in which that broadband is introduced may be as important as whether it is introduced.

5 Jan 2007

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

by John Bailey | Date: 5 Jan 2007 | posted in: Energy | 0

This January 2007 report by John Bailey 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. Many cities will likely not meet their goals unless complementary state and federal policies are put in place very soon. … Read More

5 Jan 2007

Report: Making Cellulosic Ethanol Happen – Good and Not So Good Public Policy

by David Morris | Date: 5 Jan 2007 | posted in: Energy | 0

This January 2007 report by David Morris provides an analysis of federal policies that are both good and bad related to creating a viable cellulosic ethanol industry based on two building blocks: 1) Commercial technologies that produce ethanol from cellulose and 2) A cultivation, transportation and storage infrastructure that delivers cellulose to biorefineries.… Read More

1 Dec 2006

Waste to Wealth – 2006 Report on Activities

by ILSR | Date: 1 Dec 2006 | posted in: waste - recycling, Waste to Wealth | 0

Our program continued its tradition of solving problems in ways that reinforce economic and environmental security. Our work continues to help community development organizations, small businesses and government agencies increase productive employment, recover increasing amounts of valuable recycled materials and products, save environmental resources, and lower operating costs. Read Waste to Wealth 2006 Report (PDF)

5 Sep 2006

Report: Putting the Pieces Together – Commercializing Cellulosic Ethanol

by David Morris | Date: 5 Sep 2006 | posted in: Energy, From the Desk of David Morris, The Public Good | 0

This September 2006 report by David Morris examines federal policies supporting cellulosic ethanol production and advocates that the Federal government adopt strategies that support farmer-owned biorefineries.

On June 14, 2006 the U.S. Department of Energy issued a Request for Information (RFI) — regarding the most beneficial and efficiency way to consider implementation of Section 942 — of the Energy Policy Act. We are concerned that by focusing on a single policy tool–a large government purchase–the RFI undermines holistic thinking.

14 Aug 2006

Is Publicly Owned Information Infrastructure A Wise Public Investment for San Francisco?

by Becca | Date: 14 Aug 2006 | posted in: information, MuniNetworks | 0

San Francisco has launched an initiative to provide wireless access everywhere in the city. A number of Supervisors and residents have raised the possibility of the City following in the footsteps of over 200 other U.S. cities that already own information networks. To date, the City has not addressed that question, or at least no such study has been forthcoming.

Media Alliance invited the Institute for Local Self-Reliance to investigate the economics of a publicly owned information infrastructure. This report contains a preliminary financial analysis. Without complete information from the City, the numbers are not precise. But we think this analysis could serve as the basis for an informed discussion. We urge the City to undertake its own more detailed examination and make it public.

21 Jun 2006

Report: The New Ethanol Future Demands a New Public Policy

by David Morris | Date: 21 Jun 2006 | posted in: agriculture, Energy, Energy Self Reliant States, environment | 0

The New Ethanol Future Demands a New Public Policy by David Morris, Vice President Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) June 21, 2006 This document is an expanded version of “An Ear for the Market,” an opinion piece published in the New York Times. Ethanol’s time has arrived. After 25 years of fighting just to survive in … Read More

14 Jun 2006

Commons Knowledge

by ILSR | Date: 14 Jun 2006 | posted in: information, MuniNetworks | 0

The first and only issue of Commons Knowledge, subtitle: Irregular Reports From the Municipal Telecom Front, featured an article about the COPE Act; a new broadband study from Saint Paul, Minnesota; and the ParkWiFi Pilot in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.

Commons Knowledge promotes publicly owned, open access broadband infrastructure and news of communities that are exploring their options in this area.