Farmer using a tractor to spread compost on their field
15 Jun 2022

Model State Legislation: Funding Waste Diversion and On-Farm Composting via a Disposal Surcharge

by | Date: 15 Jun 2022 | posted in: Composting, waste - composting | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

A per-ton surcharge on waste disposed is a funding mechanism with a proven track record of raising funds to reduce and recycle waste. This model bill serves to address the need for state investment into waste reduction and diversion programs and infrastructure by establishing major grant funding based on a nominal surcharge on waste disposal. This document is intended for use as a template for a bill that any state can adapt and introduce.… Read More

Image: NYC storefronts
19 May 2022

Report: Why the 21st Century Antitrust Act is Critical for New York Small Businesses

by | Date: 19 May 2022 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

In New York, rampant market power is endangering the economic dynamism that New York small businesses generate. State lawmakers have the opportunity to build a more level playing field for small businesses by passing the 21st Century Antitrust Act. Our report, published with New Yorkers for a Fair Economy, illustrates why this legislation will strengthen the economic vitality of communities across the state.… Read More
14 Apr 2022

Recap of Compost-Related Bills in Maryland’s 2022 Legislative Session

by | Date: 14 Apr 2022 | posted in: Composting, waste - composting | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

With momentum from the wins for composting achieved during Maryland’s 2021 legislative session, ILSR’s Composting Initiative team supported three composting-related bills during Maryland’s 2022 legislative session. Our team continues to push to advance necessary and visionary policy on composting, waste diversion, and healthy soils in Maryland.… Read More
23 Feb 2022

New Bill on Waste Diversion and On-Farm Composting Introduced in Maryland House

by | Date: 23 Feb 2022 | posted in: Composting, waste - composting | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

ILSR’s Composting for Community team has worked closely with Delegate Regina T. Boyce to introduce the Solid Waste Disposal and Diversion and On-Farm Composting and Compost Use bill (HB 1070) for Maryland’s 2022 legislative session.… Read More
14 May 2021

Washington State Removes All Barriers to Municipal Broadband

by | Date: 14 May 2021 | posted in: MuniNetworks | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Yesterday, following weeks of anticipation, State Gov. Jay Islee signed the Public Broadband Act (H.B. 1336), removing all restrictions on public broadband in the state of Washington, according to the bill’s primary sponsor, State Rep. Drew Hansen. This critical leap forward in Washington drops the number of states with laws restricting community broadband to 17. … Read More
20 Aug 2020

Mississippi Electric Co-ops Kick Broadband Projects Into High Gear With Covid Relief Funds

by | Date: 20 Aug 2020 | posted in: MuniNetworks | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Less than two years after Mississippi lifted its ban on electric cooperative broadband networks, at least 15 of the 25 co-ops in the state have announced plans to provide Internet access to members, with more on the way.… Read More

Workers in manhole
16 Jun 2020

Maine Asks Voters About New Funding for Internet Infrastructure

by | Date: 16 Jun 2020 | posted in: MuniNetworks | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

In less than a month Maine will hold a Special Referendum election which includes a measure with significant ramifications for Internet access in the state. On July 14, Mainers will be asked to vote Yes or No on Question 1, a $15 million Internet Infrastructure Bond Issue designed to bring high-speed service to the approximately 85,000 households in unserved or underserved areas. The $15 million in general obligation bonds would join $30 million in matching federal, private, and local funds and go to ConnectME to provide funding for broadband projects with an emphasis on unserved or underserved areas.… Read More
16 Jun 2020

Colorado’s Anti-Community Broadband Law: A Decade and a Half Later

by | Date: 16 Jun 2020 | posted in: MuniNetworks | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

It’s been 15 years since Colorado passed SB 152, the state law intended to restrict communities from building and managing their own broadband networks In this episode Christopher talks to Ken Fellman and Geoff Wilson. They describe how monopoly Internet providers used legislative allies to introduce the anti-local authority bill aimed at protecting their profits.… Read More

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