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Links to Online Resources by Sector
New Rules Project's General Resources:
- Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Online Store
For online ordering of ILSR and New Rules Project print resources, including books, journals, and reports.
- Archive of ILSR Press Releases, Columns, Articles and Interviews
- The New Rules - Back Issues
An archive of the journal of the New Rules Project. No longer being published.
- E-bulletin Archives
An archive of electronic bulletins prepared by the New Rules Project including the ATM Surcharge/Preemption Monitor Bulletin, Democratic Energy, The Home Town Advantage Bulletin, and New Rules News Bulletin.
- A Globe of Villages
An interview with David Morris, from Toward A Sustainable World Order, Fall 1993
- Defending Place
A speech by David Morris given at ILSR's Place Matters Conference in November 1998.
- Closer to Home: A Conversation about Local Ownership and Community
A full report from ILSR's Place Matters Conference in November 1998. 40 pp.
- Reclaiming Community - A speech by David Morris presented at the Sixteenth Annual E. F. Schumacher Lectures, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, October 26, 1996. ILSR.
- The New Rules of Localism
A speech by David Morris presented at the International Forum on Globalization in Washington, D.C., in May 1996. ILSR.
- Democracy and Autonomy
A speech by David Morris presented at The Other Economc Summit in Houston, Texas in July 1990, later published in Annals of Earth (Vol X, No.3, 1992). ILSR.
- Ecology Nurtures Community
A speech by David Morris originally delivered as a keynote address to the Building With Value conference in Seattle, Washington in November 1993. ILSR.
- Communities: Building Authority, Responsibility, and Capacity
An article by David Morris, reprinted from the State of the Union 1994. 11pp. ILSR.
Agriculture
Books, Articles and Reports
- 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 overshadowed by the significant loss in potential economic benefits from locally owned and more modestly scaled facilities. download the report - read the press release
- Putting the Pieces Together: Commercializing Cellulosic Ethanol - September 2006
A report examining federal policies supporting cellulosic ethanol production and advocating that the Federal government adopt strategies that support farmer-owned biorefineries. [see also ILSR Press Release]
- Ownership Matters: Three Steps to Ensure a Biofuels Industry That Truly Benefits Rural America
This February 2006 paper by David Morris was adapted from a speech given at the Minnesota Ag Expo 2006. The paper provides a snapshot of today's biofuels industry and a roadmap to ensure that local farmers see significant benefits from the expanding industry in the future.
- The Carbohydrate Economy, Biofuels and the Net Energy Debate
This August 2005 report by David Morris addresses the never-ending question "Doesn’t it take more energy to make ethanol than is contained in the ethanol?" In 1980, the short and empirical answer to this question was yes. In 1990, the answer was, probably not. In 2005 the answer is clearly no.
- The Energetics of Ethanol: An Introduction and Link to Studies
How much energy does it take to make a gallon of ethanol? Make up your own mind by looking at the studies themselves! - ongoing updates
- Back the Dairy Compact - by Stacy Mitchell, published in the Twin Cities Star Tribune, August 27, 2001
- A Food and Agriculture Policy for the 21st Century A vision for a better farm, food and fiber system. Edited by the Organization for Competitive Markets, 2000.
- Structural and Financial Characterisitcs of US Farms, 1995: 20th Annual Family Farm Report to the Congress," ERS/USDA.
- The Multiple Functions and Benefits of Small Farm Agriculture," by Peter M. Rosset, Ph.D., Institute for Food and Development Policy, 1999.
- How Much Energy Does It Take to Make a Gallon of Ethanol? - Institute for Local Self-Reliance, August 1995
- Goldschmidt, W. 1978. As You Sow. Montclair, NJ: Allanheld, Osmun. A reprint of the classic study on the effects of agribusiness on civic life.
- Lyson, T., Torres, R., and Welsh, R. 1999. Scale of Agricultural production, Civic Engagement and Community Welfare. A recently presented paper on the impacts of scale of agricultural production on community welfare. For a copy please email Thomas Lyson.
Organizations
Energy - Democratic Energy
New Rules Project's Resources
- Scale & Ownership of Renewable Energy - a presentation by John Farrell at the Local Energy Initiatives Forum in Cloquet, MN on September 13, 2007
- 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 overshadowed by the significant loss in potential economic benefits from locally owned and more modestly scaled facilities. download the report - read the press release
- 25 by ’25: Getting the Priorities Right - speech by David Morris, presented at the 3rd National Renewable Energy Summit, March 21, 2007
- Lessons from the Pioneers: Tackling Global Warming at the Local Level
This January 2007 report 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. download the report - view executive summary
- Climate Neutral Bonding: Building Global Warming Solutions at the State And Local Level
This February 2006 policy brief by John Bailey provides background and analysis to support a state or local policy that would require construction projects funded with tax-exempt bonds to result in no net increases in greenhouse gases within the community.
- Ownership Matters: Three Steps to Ensure a Biofuels Industry That Truly Benefits Rural America
This February 2006 paper by David Morris was adapted from a speech given at the Minnesota Ag Expo 2006. The paper provides a snapshot of today's biofuels industry and a roadmap to ensure that local farmers see significant benefits from the expanding industry in the future.
- The Carbohydrate Economy, Biofuels and the Net Energy Debate
This August 2005 report by David Morris addresses the never-ending question "Doesn’t it take more energy to make ethanol than is contained in the ethanol?" In 1980, the short and empirical answer to this question was yes. In 1990, the answer was, probably not. In 2005 the answer is clearly no.
- The Energetics of Ethanol: An Introduction and Link to Studies
How much energy does it take to make a gallon of ethanol? Make up your own mind by looking at the studies themselves! - ongoing updates
- A Better Way to Get From Here to There: A Commentary on the Hydrogen Economy and a Proposal for an Alternative Strategy - by David Morris, January 2004
- Seeing the Light: Regaining Control of Our Electricity System
Seeing the Light provides the overarching discussions of the framework for the electricity rules on our web site.
- Our Decentralized Energy Future: On-Site Power Generation Arrives - by David Morris for TomPaine.com, October 30, 2001
- Looking Locally: A Bottom-up Energy Solution - commentary by David Morris, TomPaine.com, August 2, 2001. Available as text or real audio.
- Interview of David Morris on Minnesota Public Radio's Mid Morning show - transcript from July 31, 2001
- Birth Throes of a New Electricity System: The US Experience - article by David Morris, Cogeneration and On-Site Power Production, May-June 2001
- Solutions to Electricity Crisis - column by David Morris and Daniel Kraker, The Oakland Tribune, June 5, 2001
- Analysis: David Morris on Bush Administration's Energy Policy - Twin Cities Public Television's NewsNight MN , May 17, 2001 (real video)
- A Bottom Up Energy Policy - column by David Morris, May 16, 2001
- Bush Energy Policy: A Flashback to 1974 - Press Release, May 8, 2001
- Interview of David Morris on KPFK Radio in Los Angeles - May 2, 2001 (real audio)
- Senate, FERC Decisions Contradict Efforts to Build Local Electricity Systems - Press Release, April 27, 2001
- When it Comes to Power, Smaller is Better - by David Morris and Daniel Kraker, Rocky Mountain News, March 19, 2001
- Democratic and Electric: People are Plugging in to the Production of Power - by David Morris, February 18, 2001
- Bonding With the Next Generation - article by David Morris, The New Rules, Winter 2001 (back issues here)
- The New Power Rules: Marrying Action and Consequence
A paper given by David Morris to the Environmental Grantmakers Association's 1998 retreat. ILSR.
- Replacing Property Taxes on Utility Generation With Revenues from a Carbon-Based Tax: A Minnesota Tax Shift Opportunity - memo prepared by ILSR for ME3 on possible changes to Minnesota's utility property tax system, November 1998.
- How Much Energy Does It Take to Make a Gallon of Ethanol? - Institute for Local Self-Reliance, August 1995
- Be Your Own Power Company
A book by David Morris, first published 1983. 320 pgs.
- Kilowatt Counter - A Consumers Guide to Energy Concepts, Quantities, and Use, by David Morris and Gil Friend. First published 1975.Published by the Alternative Sources of Power, 1975. Copyright Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
- The Dawning of Solar Cells - by David Morris, ILSR, 1975
Other Books, Articles and Reports
- Developing Rates for Distributed Generation - National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 2001
- California Energy Commission's Distributed Generation Site
- Consumer Guide to Renewable Energy for Your Home or Business - by DOE Office of Power Technologies
- Summary Table of Public Benefit Programs and Electric Utility Restructuring - American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, March 2001 (ongoing updates)
- The Renewables Portfolio Standard: A Practical Guide - by Nancy Rader and Scott Hempling, February 2001
- Public Financing of Self-Generation: Costs and Benefits of Onsite Photovoltaic, Fuel Cell, and Micro-turbine Systems - Office of Ratepayer Advocates, CA Public Utilities Commission, January 2001
- Accommodating Distributed Resources in Wholesale Markets - by Rick Weston, Regulatory Assistance Project, 2001
- A Guide to Cogeneration - This Guide is designed to explain the principles and applications of cogeneration and to help policymakers and other professionals understand this technology. By the The European Association for the Promotion of Cogeneration Cogeneration, 2001
- Performance Based Regulation for Distribution Utilities - Regulatory Assistance Project, December 2000
- Table of Low Income Provisions in Electric Restructuring Laws in the United States - compiled by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Clearinghouse, December 2000
- Making Connections: Case Studies of Barriers to Interconnection of Distributed Power - EREN, May 2000
- Energy Policy Summaries on Various Issues - Union of Concerned Scientists
- Comprehensive Information on Community Aggregation - by the American Public Power Association
- State-by-State Interconnection Status Table - by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council
- Profits and Progress Through Distributed Resources - by David Moskovitz, February 2000
- Promoting Competitive Electricity Markets Through Community Purchasing: The Role of Municipal Aggregation by Nancy Rader and Scott Hempling, January 2000
- Green Consumerism vs. Green Citizenship - by David Morris, published in Sustainable Minnesota, Spring 1997
- Green Power Networks' State Net Metering Program Descriptions
- Distributed Generation and Local Governments: An Introduction - Clean Power Research, 2000
Organizations
New Rules Project's Resources
- Ecology Nurtures Community (.pdf)
A speech by David Morris originally delivered as a keynote address to the Building With Value conference in Seattle, Washington in November 1993. ILSR. Requires Adobe Acrobat to read.
Other Books, Articles and Reports
Organizations
- Fiscallygreen.ca - a one-stop shop for information on fiscal policies for environmental objectives in Canada and internationally
Equity
New Rules Project's Resources
- The Canadian Cure - by Daniel Kraker, The New Rules, Winter 2001. This article explores how Canada's provinces established a health care system founded on equity, public administration and decentralized control. Fifty years later, all Canadians are covered and the plan still costs less per capita (and a smaller percentage of the GDP) than U.S. citizens pay.
- Jack and the Giant School - by Stacy Mitchell, The New Rules, Summer 2000. Higher graduation rates, less violence, a sense of belonging instead of alienation: the case for small schools is supported by mountains of evidence and a growing number of innovative models. But many state and local governments persist in consolidation efforts, fueled by a misguided belief in the effectiveness of giant schools.
Organizations
Small Schools Resources:
- Jack and the Giant School - by Stacy Mitchell, The New Rules, Summer 2000. Higher graduation rates, less violence, a sense of belonging instead of alienation: the case for small schools is supported by mountains of evidence and a growing number of innovative models. But many state and local governments persist in consolidation efforts, fueled by a misguided belief in the effectiveness of giant schools.
- Land for Granted: The Effect of Acreage Policies on Rural Schools and Communities - by Barbara Kent Lawrence, Rural School and Community Trust, December 2003
- Historic Schools: Renovation vs. Replacement
Guidance from the National Trust for Historic Preservation on how feasibility studies affect decisions on whether to replace or renovate historic schools.
- Historic Schools: A Roadmap for Saving Your School
From the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this publication shows parents, teachers, and others how to save historic neighborhood schools.
- Dollars and Sense: The Cost Effectiveness of Small Schools - The Rural School and Community Trust, September 2002
- Research: Smaller Is Better - Education Week
- Small Schools: Great Strides - A study of new small schools in Chicago from Bank Street College.
- Small Schools Directory - A directory of groups that provide funding, technical assistance, research, and advocacy for small schools.
- Small Works in Arkansas: How Poverty and the Size of Schools and School Districts Affect School Performance in Arkansas - March 2002 report from the Rural School and Community Trust
- Better Schools Come on Smaller Campuses - by Stacy Mitchell, San Francisco Chronicle, September 8, 2000
- Successful Schools: Smaller, Safer, Saner - by Joe Nathan and Karen Fabey, co-published by the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities and the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute of the University of Minnesota
- Small Schools Follow-Up Report - VT State Board of Education, January 1999
- Small Schools Study - VT State Board of Education, January 1998
- Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools
- Bay Area Coalition of Essential Schools
- Center for Rural Affairs
- Coalition of Essential Schools
- Rural School and Community Trust
- Small Schools Workshop
- What Kids Can Do, Inc.
- Why Johnny Can't Walk to School - a report from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Universal Health Care Resources
Other Topics
New Rules Project's Resources
Additional ATM Surcharges Resources:
Organizations
Governance
New Rules Project's Resources
- David Morris' International Forum on Globalization Speech 11/29/99. (Governance/ Trade) Real Audio.
- The New Rules of Localism
A speech by David Morris presented at the International Forum on Globalization in Washington, D.C., May 1996. David Morris' Editorials from The New Rules
- David Morris' Commentary at the WTO Ministerial, 11/30-12/02 1999. (Governance/ Trade) Real Audio.
- This is not Buchannan's Crowd, 11/30, 3 minutes.
- Bill Clinton vs. Sam Adams, 11/30, 3 minutes.
- A Broken Window vs. A Broken Democracy, 12/01, 4 minutes.
- Free Trade: The Great Destroyer, 12/01, 4 minutes.
- The Arrogance of the WTO: The Hypocrisy of Bill Clinton, 12/02, 4 minutes.
- President Clinton: Practice What You Preach, 12/02, 3 minutes.
Other Books, Articles and Reports
- State PIRG's Political Reform Update - PIRG's Democracy Program, November 2002
A nice summary of state action on campaign finance and election reform ballot measures during the 2002 election.
- Issues and Legal Precedent in State Campaign Finance Reform - Reclaim Democracy, November 2002
This is a great primer and tool for groups that are seriously considering local or state-level election financing reforms.
- Rent-a-Bank Payday Lending: How Banks Help Payday Lenders Evade State Consumer Protections - 2001 report from US Public Interest Research Group and the Consumer Federation of America.
- Campaign Financing - Congressional Research Service, June 2000
- Campaign Finance: Constitutional and Legal Issues of Soft Money - Congressional Research Service, May 2000
- Updates on Legislation and Ballot Measures Covering Proportional Representation and Instant Runoff - Center for Voting and Democracy
- What is Proportional Representation and Why Do We Need This Reform? - by Douglas J. Amy, Mount Holyoke College
- Anything left to Legislate About? - an overview of federal-state preemption on a variety of issues from the states' point of view, State Legislatures magazine, September 1999
- The Other Side of Devolution: Shifting Relationships Between State and Local Governments - by Keith Watson and Steven D. Gold, Urban Institute, August 1997 This report describes some of the state legislation proposed or enacted in 1995 and 1996 designed to shift program funding or administrative responsibilities from states to localities.
- The Devil in Devolution - by John Donahue, American Prospect, May 1, 1997
- Come the Devolution - by Lenny Goldberg, American Prospect, December 1, 1996
Organizations
Information
Books, Articles and Reports
- Burlington Telecom Case Study - by Christopher Mitchell, August 2007
This case study examines how one community solved its broadband problems and created a new revenue source by building a city wide fiber optic network.
- 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. The paper 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. download the report - view summary
- No Student Left Unsold - AZ State University Education Policy Studies Laboratory's Commercialism in Education Research Unite, October 2003
The Sixth Annual Report on Trends in Schoolhouse Commercialism, Year 2002-2003, finds that commercial activity remains firmly entrenched in American public schools as protest mounts from citizens and legislative efforts to reign it in. (see also their Annual Reports Archive)
- Public Education: Commercial Activities in Schools (GAO/HEHS-00-156) - General Accounting Office, September 8, 2000
- "A Federal Moratorium on Internet Commerce Taxes Would Erode State and Local Revenues and Shift Burdens to Lower-Income Households," by Michael Mazerov and Iris J. Lav, from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
- The Global Media Giants," by Robert McChesney, from FAIR (Fair and Accuracy in Reporting)
Organizations
Retail - The Hometown Advantage
New Rules Project's Resources
- BigBoxToolKit.com - our comprehensive site with how-to information on protecting your community from the impacts of big box retail development.
- Big Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses
This deft and revealing book illustrates how mega-retailers are fueling many of our most pressing problems. The book shows how communities and independent businesses are effectively fighting back. By Stacy Mitchell.
Order Online now! $24.95
[320 pages, published by Beacon Press]
- Ensuring a Future for Independent Businesses
This talk was sponsored by the American Booksellers Association and given at Book Expo America, an industry trade show, in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 2006.
- Reviving Locally Owned Retail
Talk given on May 16, 2006 at the CLIC Trade Show: Connecting and Linking Independents with Commercial Developments, an event organized by the Austin Independent Business Alliance.
- 10 Reasons Why Maine's Homegrown Economy Matters: And 50 Proven Ways to Revive It
Written by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and published by the Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility. Detailed here are practical tools for strengthening locally owned business.
- Small Twin Cities Businesses Unite in "Buy Local" Movement - Minnesota Public Radio, May 16, 2005 [audio]
In the face of big-box retail stores owned by multi-national corporations, some Twin Cities area small business owners are banding together to promote shopping at local, independently-owned stores. ILSR's Stacy Mitchell is featured in this audio segment.
- Protecting Locally Owned Retail: Planning Tools for Curbing Chains and Nurturing Homegrown Businesses - by Stacy Mitchell, Main Street News, February 2004
- 10 Reasons Why Vermont's Homegrown Economy Matters: And 50 Proven Ways to Revive It - by Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Published by the Preservation Trust of Vermont, October 2003
This 60-page publication is the result of several years of collaboration between the Institute of Local Self-Reliance and The Preservation Trust of Vermont. Detailed here are specific reasons why locally-owned businesses matter and practical ways to plan for a homegrown economy, foster revitalization and unite independent businesses. Mitchell uses practical examples from successful businesses and vibrant communities all across the states to illustrate the point that everyone benefits from keeping Vermont's economy local.
- The Economic Impact of Locally Owned Businesses vs. Chains: A Case Study in Midcoast Maine - Institute for Local Self-Reliance, September 2003
- The Home Town Advantage: How to Defend Your Main Street Against Chain Stores and Why It Matters
From local zoning ordinances to federal antitrust policy, The Home Town Advantage provides a comprehensive guide to reviving the homegrown economy.
- The Hometown Advantage e-Bulletin - an electronic newsletter reporting on efforts nationwide to stop chain store proliferation and support locally owned, independent retail businesses. It's Free!! Click Here to Subscribe
- Buy Local Slide Show - Examples of how communities are promoting the importance of supporting locally owned businesses.
- New Rules for the New Localism: Favoring Communities, Deterring Corporate Chains - An Interview with Stacy Mitchell, Multinational Monitor, October-November 2002
- Homegrown Economics: How Boulder Businesses are Staying Ahead of the Chains - by Stacy Mitchell, Autumn 2001
- Belfast votes in self-defense - column by Stacy Mitchell, Portland Press Herald, July 8, 2001
- Red Wing Gets Boxed In - featuring Stacy Mitchell, on Minnesota Public Radio, June 20, 2001
- Midway Home Depot dismantles concept of quality of life - column by Stacy Mitchell, Saint Paul Pioneer Press, June 5, 2001
- When a giant retailer moves on, it leaves its 'big box' behind - commentary by Stacy Mitchell, Star Tribune, Januray 8, 2001
- The Impact of Chain Stores on Community - a speech by Stacy Mitchell to the American Planning Association Conference in April 2000. ILSR.
- Bucking the Chain Store Trend - column by Stacy Mitchell, Rocky Mountain News, March 17, 2000
- Fighting the Chains - by Stacy Mitchell, article originally appeared as a three part series in the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association's newsletter, 2000 Defending Place - a speech by David Morris given at ILSR's Place Matters Conference in November 1998. Closer to Home: a conversation about local ownership and community (.pdf)
A full report from ILSR's Place Matters Conference in November 1998. 40 pp.
Other Books, Articles and Reports
(all available at independent bookstores or through the links below)
- Big-Box Sprawl and How to Control It - by Constance E. Beaumont with Leslie Tucker, Municipal Lawyer, March/April 2002
- Making a Place for Community: Local Democracy in a Global Era - by Thad Williamson, David Imbroscio, and Gar Alperovitz (Routledge, 2002)
- The Shils Report
On-line study, by Edward Shils, Director-Emeritus of the Wharton Entrepreneurial Center, which examines the impact of mega-retail discount chains on urban, suburban and rural economies.
- Ryan and Company, a state and local tax consulting firm for companies, has a good page of links to both sides of the e-commerce controversy.
- Internet Tax Legislation: Distinguishing Issues - by Nonna A. Noto, Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, November 2000
- Better, Not Bigger by Eben Foder (1999). Explores hidden costs of sprawl.
- Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart: How You Can Stop Superstore Sprawl in Your Hometown by Al Norman (Raphel Marketing, 1999)
- How Wal-Mart is Destroying America (and the World) by Bill Quinn (Ten Speed Press, 1998)
- Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age by Michael Shuman (The Free Press, 1998)
- The Economic Renewal Guide by Michael Kinsley (Rocky Mountain Institute, 1997)
- How Superstore Sprawl Can Harm Communities and What Citizens Can Do About It - by Constance E. Beaumont (National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1994)
- Up Against the Wal-Marts: How Your Business Can Prosper in the Shadow of the Giants by Don Taylor (1994).
Organizations
- American Independent Business Alliance
Learn more about forming a local Independent Business Alliance to educate your customers and neighbors about the importance of supporting local businesses.
- Community & Environmental Defense Services
Nonprofit that works with citizens to defend their communities from bad development, including shopping centers, highways, landfills, mines, and golf courses. Many great free resources including the reports:
- National Trust's National Main Street Center
The National Main Street Center helps communities devise downtown revitalization strategies that build on unique local and historic assets. The Center's four-pronged approach ranks as one of the most effective economic development tools in the country and has been implemented in more than 1,400 towns and cities.
- Sprawl Busters
News and resources for communities fighting big-box retailers
- The Streamlined Sales Tax Project
Community-Owned Sports
Taxation
Organizations
- Fiscallygreen.ca - a one-stop shop for information on fiscal policies for environmental objectives in Canada and internationally
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