New Rules Project - Designing Rules As If Community Matters

Podcast: ILSR's John Farrell discussing decentralized energy

John Farrell discussing some of the challenges and opportunities of decentralized energy - broadcast on the WCCO radio's Don Shelby Show, July 9, 2008

Resource: Economic Impact study of large-scale retail proposals in Bennington, VT

See how this community studied the impacts of possible big box retail development

News: Money is fleeing

This column by ILSR's Justin Dahlheimer says that Pennsylvania should get a cut of the state's increasingly valuable natural gas resources - originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 2, 2008

Podcast: ILSR's Christopher Mitchell video chat with App Rising on municipal broadband

Christopher Mitchell discussing some of the challenges, misconceptions, and opportunities of municipal broadband, and in particular fiber with Geoff Daily from App Rising - broadcast June 19, 2008.

News: New Powerline Study Finds that Local Wind Energy Generation Can Avoid the Need for New Lines

A study released this week in Minnesota shows there is an abundant opportunity for new community-based energy development (C-BED) throughout Minnesota. The study’s conclusions affirm those of a previous utility study that found that significant amounts of wind energy can be injected into the existing transmission system at costs far lower than building new transmission lines to more distant wind farms.

News: Sharp Rise in Shopping Center Vacancies

The number of shuttered box stores and empty strip malls has expanded dramatically over the last six months, according to data compiled by commercial real estate brokers and investment advisors. And the situation is likely to get much worse.

News: Seacoast Local Urges Residents to "Think Local First"

This Portsmouth-based local business network is not only changing people's shopping habits, but boosting their involvement in a wide range of community organizations and causes.

Podcast: ILSR's Christopher Mitchell discussing municipal broadband

Christopher Mitchell discussing municipal broadband - featured on "Truth to Tell," on KFAI, a radio station broadcasting in the Twin Cities. Broadcast on June 11th

Rule: Dark Store Ordinance - Wauwatosa, WI

In 2005 the city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, adopted a big-box ordinance that requires new retail stores over 50,000 square feet contribute 20 cents per square foot of building's total size to the city's Land Conservation Fund before the city will grant them a building permit. The fund can be used to redevelop the site if the building is vacated and proper removal or reuse of the building is not planned.

Resource: Independent Business Slide Show Updated and Expanded

See nearly 87 examples of how communities and business networks are highlighting their locally owned businesses.

Rule: Store Size Cap - Zionsville, Indiana

In response to Wal-Mart's bid to place a supercenter in their town, Zionsville, Indiana (pop=12,000), enacted an ordinance prohibiting stores over 60,000 square feet.

News: Muni Broadband Networks: In for the Long Haul

In a matter of days, MetroFi and Earthlink have announced they are abandoning the municipal wireless market. Both will shut down their existing Wi-Fi networks in several cities if they cannot find buyers. The private sector has largely decided municipal Wi-Fi networks are not profitable. But the public sector has come to the opposite conclusion and is continuing to build networks. Why? Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Telecommunications as Commons Initiative for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) suggests that public entities use a different cost benefit calculation than private when deciding on investment.

Podcast: ILSR's David Morris talking about plug-in electric vehicles

David Morris 15 minute interview broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio's Midday Program, May 23, 2008.

Rule: Fredericksburg, TX - Formula Business Restriction

In April 2008, the city council of Fredericksburg, Texas (pop: 10,800) voted 3-1 to amend their zoning code to include rules that require standardized (formula) businesses to apply for a conditional use permit to enter the city's historic downtown district.

Resource: Updated our Economic Impact and Wal-Mart Studies section

We've added a few new resources to our growing list of studies on the impacts of big box retail on communities.

Rule: Fiber Network Building Code - Loma Linda, CA

Loma Linda has built a publicly owned citywide fiber optic network. Originally, the city added this rule to the developer agreement but later also codified it in the Municipal Code. Any new building (or substantial re-model) must be built ready to interface with the network and meet a wiring requirement to allow the occupants to take full advantage of the network.

Report: Concentrating Solar and Decentralized Power: Government Incentives Hinder Local Ownership

Can residential rooftop solar compete with new utility-scale concentrating solar electric plants? Only if federal and state incentives are amended to level the playing field. This May 2008 report explores the economics of solar PV and concentrating solar and shows how local ownership is hindered unless government solar incentives change.

Resource: 4 Ways Your Rebate Check Can Help You and Our Local Economy

Here's a flyer we've prepared for download and distribution to help you spend your stimulus check in a way that will help your community.

News: Community-Owned Stores

A May 5th column by Stacy Mitchell published in the Forum News

Rule: Clean Election Program - Connecticut

State legislature candidates who acquire enough small contributions can choose to have his or her campaign publicly financed. The Clean Elections program also provides finances for primary elections and additional grants for candidates being outspent by non-participating candidates. The program will be expanded to include all statewide elections in 2010.

Update: Clean Election Rules

We've updated our section on Clean Election laws. New rules, new resources and more background. As of 2008, five states have passed "clean election" laws, laws that provide public money for state election campaigns if a candidate agrees to strict spending limits.

Update: Internet Sales Tax Fairness

We've updated our section on Internet Sales Tax Fairness. New rules, new resources and more background.

Rule: Internet Sales Tax Fairness - New York

In 2008, New York included with it’s budget a bill that requires many online retailers to begin collecting sales taxes on purchases shipped to the state, even if they have no operations or employees working there.

Rule: Carbon Caps With Universal Dividends

Many proposals addressing climate change advocate for a cap on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or carbon content of fuels. Returning money from future carbon allowance auctions as a per capita dividend creates a carbon cap policy that is ethical, equitable, and conducive to being politically successful.

Rules: Fixed Price Book Laws

Laws in some European countries, most notably Germany, require all bookstores, including online sellers, to sell books at fixed prices. Supporters say outlawing discounts protects independent bookstores and small publishers, which in turn ensures that a broader variety of books are available and that there is less focus on best-sellers. That seems to be the case in Germany, where there are 14,000 book publishers, over 4,000 bookstores, and twice as many titles per capita published each year as in the United States. Moreover, with greater competition and a more stable market, book prices in Germany have actually fallen. France has a similar regulation, known as the Lang Law, which was adopted in 1981 and prohibits discounts of more than 5 percent on books. Amazon.com has tried, so far unsuccessfully, to have the law overturned.

Rules: Set-Asides for Local Retail

One way communities can ensure that redevelopment projects and new retail centers include locally owned businesses is to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the developer that stipulates how much of the project's retail space must be set aside for local businesses.

News: Report: Federal Barriers Are Limiting Renewable Energy Ownership Opportunities

A typical 2 megawatt wind turbine provides enough electricity for around 600 average American homes. So why is it nearly impossible for those same 600 households to pool their resources and own a wind turbine? A new policy brief by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) shows how removing two barriers to owning and investing in renewable energy projects can pave the way for true energy independence.

News: UK Home Buyers Will Get Substantive Energy and Environmental Information

Regulations coming into force in April and May 2008 will bring a wealth of energy and environmental information to homebuyers in the United Kingdom. Potential buyers will get an Energy Performance Certificate and a mandatory comparison of the new home to the requirements contained in the UK's Code for Sustainable Homes as part of home information packets (HIPs) prior to purchasing the home.

News: New York Requires Amazon.com to Collect Sales Tax

In a move that will help level the playing field for independent businesses, New York lawmakers adopted a policy this week requiring Amazon.com and other online retailers to collect state and local sales taxes.

Report: Driving Our Way to Energy Independence

Updating our pathbreaking 2003 report, this March 2008 report describes how currently commercially available technologies could transform our petroleum powered transportation system into one powered by electricity and biofuels. Provisions in the recently passed Energy Act could accelerate that transformation. With the adoption of complementary policies, the revolution in our transportation sector can generate an equally profound revolution in our electricity sector. Hundreds of thousands of locally owned wind turbines and solar electric arrays supplying flexible fueled, plug-in hybrid vehicles can allow tens of millions of Americans to become energy producers not just energy consumers.

Podcast: ILSR's Stacy Mitchell on Big Box retail issues

More than 1.5 hours on a wide range of retail related questions and answers broadcast on the Mark Johnson Show, RadioVermont WDEV

News: More States Close Tax Loophole that Gives Chains an Edge

For years, chain retailers have exploited a loophole present in the tax laws of about half the states to escape paying billions of dollars in state income taxes. Efforts to close these loopholes have faced an uphill struggle, but the momentum may finally be shifting, thanks to research that has exposed the extent of the problem and its primary corporate beneficiaries, as well as new activism by independent business owners, who are breaking rank with powerful business groups to call for tax fairness.

New Anti-Ethanol Studies Reach Wrong Conclusion on Greenhouse Gases

A new policy brief from Institute for Local Self Reliance criticizes the authors of two recent studies published in Science for advancing a conclusion not supported by their own studies. ILSR's paper notes that the vast majority of today’s ethanol production comes from corn cultivated on land that has been in corn production for generations. Since little new land has come into production, either directly or indirectly, the current use of ethanol clearly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Podcast: ILSR's Neil Seldman on Waste to Wealth

Video of Neil Seldman's presentation on Waste to Wealth topics before the Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies Commission, February 20, 2008

News: Gift Cards that Keep on Giving

Soaring gift card sales have been a boon to chain retailers. By developing joint gift cards, independent businesses are beginning to redirect some of this spending to the local economy.

Resource: CD-ROM: Regulating Big Box Retail

A session from the American Planning Association's 2007 conference. Presenters were Thomas Jacobson, Stacy Mitchell, and Julie Tappendorf. CD-ROM includes audio synchronized with PowerPoint, transcripts and slides, note sheets, and reading materials.

News: Favoring Local Businesses in Government Purchasing has Economic Benefits, Study Finds

Using local independent suppliers for state contracts results in three times the economic benefit of bids fulfilled through national chains, according to an Arizona study. The findings are fueling support for a bill that would give a purchasing preference to local businesses.

News: Carbon Caps With Universal Dividends: Equitable, Ethical and Politically Effective Climate Policy

A new policy brief from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance concludes that universal dividends are a critically important tool to create the political will and public acceptance for a carbon cap. Universal dividends have the potential to hold harmless a large segment of consumers while we move to a low-carbon economy. Moreover, the universal dividend honors the principle that the sky belongs to all of us equally. Private investment in clean and efficient technologies will be driven by a carbon cap that leads to steady reductions over time of GHG emissions and carbon-based fuels.

News: Survey Finds "Buy Local" Campaigns Boosted Holiday Spending at Independent Stores

Independent retailers in cities with active "Buy Local" campaigns reported much larger increases in holiday sales on average than those in cities without such campaigns.

Report: Municipal Broadband: Demystifying Wireless and Fiber-Optic Options

This January 2008 policy brief examines how the United States, creator of the Internet, increasingly lags in high-speed access to it. In the absence of a national broadband strategy, hundreds of communities have invested in broadband infrastructure to solve their problem locally. This report highlights how communities are continuing to invest in broadband networks - both wired and wireless - and digs deeper into these technologies and the tradeoffs of each. The solution: wireless solves the mobility problem; fiber solves the speed and capacity problems; and public ownership offers a network built to benefit the community.

News: Minnesota Feed-In Tariff Could Lower Cost, Boost Renewables and Expand Local Ownership

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 producers. A new study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) shows how feed-in tariffs could turbocharge Minnesota’s renewable electricity standard, reduce costs, and spread the economic benefits across the state.

Factsheet: How to Launch a Community-Owned Store

This guide shows how citizens in a number of towns have formed community corporations, raised capital through local stock issues, and opened their own department stores.

Resource: New Rules Project's 2007 Annual Report

Take a look at some of our accomplishments in 2007

News: Wal-Mart Depresses Wages, Study Finds

Retail workers are making $4.5 billion less each year due to Wal-Mart's presence, according to a new study. Meanwhile, a second study concludes that Wal-Mart could adopt a $10 minimum wage at little cost to shoppers.

Resource: Comprehensive Planning: A Manual for Maine Communities

This guide, published by the Maine State Planning Office, provides a clear, step-by-step process for developing a comprehensive plan in your community. (it's geared toward Maine towns, but is useful for communities nationwide.)

Podcast: Stacy Mitchell on shopping at local stores versus chains over the holidays

Stacy Mitchell on shopping at local stores versus chains over the holidays, broadcast on KBCS, a community radio station in Seattle, December 20, 2007

Podcast: Stacy Mitchell on supporting locally owned businesses

Stacy Mitchell on supporting locally owned businesses, broadcast on WMPG, community radio in Portland, Maine, December 17, 2007

Column: Seek Out Locally Owned Stores This Holiday Season

Column by Stacy Mitchell, published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Resource: A Downward Push: The Impact of Wal-Mart Stores on Retail Wages and Benefits

This December 2007 study analyzes the impact of the opening of Wal-Mart stores on the earnings of retail workers.

Column: Fiber-optic networks - the roads of the digital age

Column by Christopher Mitchell, published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press

Give a Gift To Our Economy: Shop Locally Owned This Holiday Season

Whether to patronize a chain or a locally owned business is not top of mind for many holiday shoppers, but it should be. It's a choice that has profound implications for our economy.

Podcast: Discussion Between ILSR's David Morris and Paul Krugman

Video of the discussion between ILSR's David Morris and Paul Krugman from the New York Times, held in Minneapolis, MN. About 1000 people were in attendance at this event.

Rules: Supercenter Ordinances

Unlike broader store size cap ordinances, which limit the size of all types of retail stores, the following measures prohibit only those large stores that devote a significant percentage of their floor space or inventory to groceries, such as the supercenters operated by Wal-Mart and Target. These laws do not affect stores that do not carry groceries, such as Home Depot. They also often exclude warehouse stores that sell items in bulk, such as Costco.

Resource: Twilight Becomes Night added to our Books and Film Resources

We've added a link to a new film by Virginie-Alvine Perrette. Set in New York City, this moving 36-minute film explores the vital role that locally owned businesses play in the social fabric of our communities. It includes profiles of many long-standing businesses, including several that have had to close due to rising rents and an alarming influx of chains in the city.

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

This November 2007 policy brief 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.

News: Electric Avenue

A new kind of hybrid uses less gas and more electricity. All-electric cars are already here. What will this mean for the road trip of the future? David Morris plugs in. A column by David Morris, published in Travel+Leisure Magazine, November 2007

News: Tesco Making Landfall on West Coast

Here's what we can expect if the world's 5th largest retailer succeeds in unrolling 500 stores in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Podcast: Discussion of Al Gore's Nobel Prize and Climate Change

John Bailey on Al Gore's selection for the Nobel Peace Prize, broadcast on the Don Shelby radio show, WCCO.

Podcast: Local Economic Development and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance

John Farrell discusses ILSR's focus on promoting local economic development activities and policies in a broad overview via the Minneapolitics Video Blog

News: New California Law Hopes For Dramatic Expansion of Solar Hot Water Systems

The California Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 (AB 1470), creates a 10-year program aimed at installing 200,000 solar water heaters in homes and businesses using a $250 million fund. The law authorizes the California Energy Commission to “impose the surcharge at a level that is necessary to meet the goal ...” The surcharge will be applied to natural gas consumption on a per Btu basis and is estimated that it will cost the average residential natural gas user an additional 13 cents per month. The bill was signed into law on October 12, 2007.

News: Global warming requires local solutions

This column by ILSR's John Bailey argues that global warming requires local solutions and that cities should use bonding authority to promote energy conservation. The savings would easily pay back the expense. Originally published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Rule: Solar Hot Water Incentive Program - California

The Calilfornia Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 creates a 10-year program aimed at installing 200,000 solar water heaters in homes and businesses using a $250 million fund. The law authorizes the California Energy Commission to "impose the surcharge at a level that is necessary to meet the goal of installing 200,000 solar water heating systems..."

Podcast: Discussion of Burlington Telecom on NPR's Future Tense

Christopher Mitchell discusses our new report on the publicly owned broadband network in Burlington, VT

Rule: Retail Business Size Cap - Middletown, Rhode Island

In 2006, Middletown adopted a store size cap ordinance that prohibits retail buildings with a footprint of 35,000 square feet or more (individual retail outlets may be larger if they span more than one floor). A weakness of the law is that it allows developers to apply for a special use permit to exceed the size cap.

Resource: Scale and Ownership of Renewable Energy

A Powerpoint presentation by John Farrell at the Local Energy Initiatives Forum in Cloquet, MN on September 13, 2007

Resource: Burlington Telecom Case Study

This August 2007 case study by Christopher Mitchell examines how one community in Vermont solved its broadband problems and created a new revenue source by building a city wide fiber optic network.

News: "Local First" Spurring Shopping and Policy Changes in Utah

A two-year-old campaign dedicated to building support for locally owned businesses in Utah is having a big impact. Sales are up and a recent poll found that 3 out 4 residents want the city to adopt policies that favor local businesses.

News: Enhancing On-Site Solar Using Reasonable City Fees

A survey in northern California reveals a wide range of fees assessed to homeowners that install on-site solar power systems. The Sierra Club's Loma Prieta, S.F. Bay and Redwood chapters compared the charges and fees in 131 municipalities. The report recommends on that a $300 fee is an appropriate ceiling level that would comply with state law.

News: Is Eating Local the Best Choice?

A column by David Morris, published on AlterNet, September 11, 2007

Resource: How to Start a Buy Local Campaign

A "buy-local campaign will broaden awareness in your community of the consequences of our shopping choices. It is an essential strategy in turning the tide of chain retail expansion and rebuilding our local economies. This factsheet will show you how to get started.

News: On Renewable Energy, Go Local

This column by ILSR's John Farrell argues that in their desire to expand renewable-energy production, activists and policymakers focus almost entirely on “more,” rather than “better.” Twenty-seven states have renewable-energy standards, requiring utilities to produce or sell 10, 20, even 30 percent of electricity from renewable sources in the next two decades. The U.S. House just passed an energy bill with a national renewable-energy standard and a drastically higher biofuels mandate. This tunnel vision on “more” overlooks the substantial benefits that local ownership can bring to our energy future.

Rule: Solar Power on New or Significantly Renovated Public Buildings in Oregon

Effective January 1, 2008, Oregon now requires that all construction of new "public buildings" or major renovations comprising more than 50% of the existing building’s total value “contain an amount equal to at least 1.5% of the total contract price for the inclusion of appropriate solar energy technology in the public building.

Rule: Green Building Requirements and Incentives for Private Development Ordinance - West Hollywood, CA

This ordinance applies a suite of energy conservation and renewable energy requirements to both residential and commercial development. Some provisions apply to new building projects while others apply to remodeling projects at existing buildings. One of these is a requirement to prepare the building for the installation of future photovoltaic systems.

Podcast: Renewable Energy Economies and Diseconomies of Scale

John Farrell discusses a our new report and the benefits that smaller scale, locally owned renewable energy projects bring to farmers and communities. Originally broadcast on TreeHugger.com, August 10, 2007

Podcast: Wind and Ethanol Economies and Diseconomies of Scale

John Farrell discusses a our new report and the benefits that smaller scale, locally owned renewable energy projects bring to farmers and communities. Originally broadcast on KPFK Los Angeles, August 8, 2007

Rule: Community-Based Energy Development (C-BED) - Minnesota

Recognizing the benefits that small-scale and locally-owned wind projects can have, in 2005 Minnesota lawmakers enacted legislation requiring all of the state's electric utilities to establish Community Based Energy Development (C-BED) tariffs. The key aspect of the C-BED tariff is higher payments in the first 10 years of a power purchase contract.

News: Wind and Ethanol: Economies and Diseconomies of Scale

Congress and most state legislatures have or are developing renewable energy policies with a single objective: get more renewables. Our new study, Wind and Ethanol: Economies and Diseconomies of Scale, finds that this single minded focus ignores the potential economic benefits from locally owned and more modestly scaled facilities. The focus should on better renewable energy projects not simply more.

News: Small Wind Could Grow If Incentives Put On Par With Solar

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently released the results from their Small Wind Turbine Global Market Study, reporting that high up –front costs are preventing small wind systems from reaching their growth potential. The small wind industry has been experiencing annual growth in the range of 14-25% since 1985. AWEA says that Increased federal incentives could double the growth rate.

Podcast: Caps on Carbon as a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy

David Morris discusses a state-based cap and share climate proposal that combines environmental and equity goals. A state task force must offer legislative recommendations by February 2008, broadcast on Air America radio, July 10, 2007

News: New Connecting to the Grid Guide Released

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has issued the 5th edition of its Connecting to the Grid guide. The report and survey addresses new and lingering interconnection issues relevant to all distributed generation (DG) technologies. The guide hopes to assist state regulators and other government officials, as well as utility representatives, DG stakeholders and consumers interested in the development of state-level interconnection standards.

News: Arizona Bans Tax Breaks for Retail Development

Independent business owners were instrumental in advocating for the new law, which will put an end to the multi-million dollar subsidies that are routinely given to chain retail projects in the Phoenix metro.

News: Nebraska Ethanol Plant Taps Cow Power Next Door

In Nebraska, cows are helping to produce ethanol. A 28,000-cow feedlot in Mead, Nebraska, is powering the neighboring Genesis Ethanol Plant, owned by E3 Biofuels LLC. The cows are providing 300,000 tons of manure per year, which is turned into methane via anaerobic digestion and accounts for 100% of the thermal energy needed to distill 25 million gallons of ethanol each year.

News: West Hollywood Mandates Green Building Standards on Private Development

On July 16, 2007, the West Hollywood City Council voted unanimously to pass the Green Building Requirements and Incentives for Private Development Ordinance that applies a suite of energy conservation and renewable energy requirements to both residential and commercial development. Some provisions apply to new building projects while others apply to remodeling projects at existing buildings.

Rule: Neighborhood Business Districts - Fairfield, Connecticut

In 2007, the city of Fairfield enacted the following measure, which stipulates that formula businesses may not locate in neighborhood business districts unless they undergo review and obtain a special permit. The city has twelve neighborhood business districts.

Rule: Retail Store Size Cap - Fairfield, CT

In 2007, the city of Fairfield enacted the following regulations, which limit retail stores and restaurants located in neighborhood business districts to no more than 4,000 square feet. The city has twelve neighborhood business districts.

Rule: Big-Box Blight: The Spread of Dark Stores

A growing number of towns are inundated with chronically vacant big-box stores and shopping centers. Here's how to prevent big-box blight in your community.

Resource: Big-Box Blight: The Spread of Dark Stores

A growing number of towns are inundated with chronically vacant big-box stores and shopping centers. Here's how to prevent big-box blight in your community.

Rule: Bans on Tax Abatements - Arizona

In July 2007, Arizona adopted the following law, which bars municipalities in the Phoenix metropolitan region from providing tax breaks or incentives to retail development. The penalty for cities that violate the law is a reduction in the revenue that they receive from the state equal to the amount of the incentive.

News: Illinois Takes A Step Toward Carbon Neutral Buildings by 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.

News: Emissions cap is key in addressing climate issue

A column examining a carbon cap and revenue distribution on per capita basis by David Morris and Peter Barnes, published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 10, 2007

Rule: Community Impact Review - Cranston, Rhode Island [proposed]

Among the most comprehensive of the municipal impact review laws, this proposed ordinance in Cranston, Rhode Island, would apply to all development projects involving retail stores of 75,000 square feet or more. It stipulates that these projects must undergo an independent economic impact analysis.

Resource: Various Maps Related to Wal-Mart Stores

Three maps were added: Number of Persons per Wal-Mart Store, Wal-Mart Square Footage per Person and Vacant Wal-Mart Stores.

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

Maine has become the first state in the nation to require cities and towns to evaluate the impact of big-box development proposals on jobs, local businesses, and municipal finances, and to approve only those projects that will not adversely affect the local economy.

News: Washington and Montana Laws Attempt to “Clean Up” 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.

News: Community Choice Plan Adopted in 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.

News: "Green" Wal-Mart an oxymoron?

A column by Neil Peirce, syndicated columnist, describing ILSR's work on big box retail issues and on Wal-Mart's greening efforts.

News: Maine Passes Law Requiring Economic Impact Studies of Big-Box 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.

Rule: Supercenter Size Cap - San Diego, California

In June 2007, the San Diego City Council voted 5-3 to adopt an ordinance that prohibits stores over 90,000 square feet that devote more than 10 percent of their floor area to groceries.

News: Cal. Supreme Court Bolsters Local Authority to Control Retail

In a unanimous decision, the California Supreme Court fortified efforts by cities to limit big-box stores, favor small-scale retailers, and protect the vitality of downtowns. The ruling strongly affirms the authority of cities to enact zoning rules that regulate economic competition to achieve valid public purposes.

Rule: Community Impact Review - Benecia, CA

In June 2007, Benicia, a town of 27,000 people located about 40 miles northeast of San Francisco, enacted the following law, which stipulates that retail stores larger than 20,000 square feet will not be approved unless they meet half a dozen criteria.

Rule: Community Impact Review - Westbrook, Maine

Residents of Andover, a community of 31,000 people north of Boston, voted at their annual Town Meeting in April 2007 to prohibit retail stores over 65,000 square feet.

Rule: Store Size Cap - Andover, Massachusetts

Residents of Andover, a community of 31,000 people north of Boston, voted at their annual Town Meeting in April 2007 to prohibit retail stores over 65,000 square feet.

Rule: Store Size Cap - Kauai, Hawaii

In May 2007, Kauai became the first Hawaiian island to prohibit big-box stores by instituting an island-wide store size cap of 75,000 square feet.

Factsheet: Toxic Runoff: How Big-Box Stores Pollute Lakes and Streams

Polluted storm water runoff from big-box parking lots is a major threat to lakes, streams, and estuaries.

News: San Francisco's Economy Reaps Big Benefits from Independent Merchants, Study Finds

While many parts of the country are overrun with chain stores, San Francisco remains a stronghold for locally owned businesses, according to a new study, which also found that those local stores generate sizable benefits for the city's economy.