Archives: Rules

In 2003 California passed a state-wide ban on flame retardant chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs.  PBDEs are dangerous chemicals that accumulate in breast milk and harm child development.  They have been found across the globe in both humans and animals, and accumulation levels are rising.  The ban covered two forms of PBDEs, octa and penta. Implementation of California’s legislation was initially set for 2006, but intense lobbying by the chemical industry changed the year to 2008.  While nations should clearly take the lead on this issue, states may be able to act more quickly than the federal government.… Read More

Althoughnot yet a formal rule, the Dutch government’s efforts and investigation to dramatically change its transportation funding scheme is a good example of what a Government can and should do. A potentially revolutionary, good idea was formulated, the idea was deemed interesting by the government, a plan to implement the idea was developed, and the goverment has committed the resources to put the good idea into practice. The plan recently approved by the Dutch government calls for a projected 10 million cars, trucks and motorcycles to be equipped with wireless tracking devices by 2006. The idea is to charge drivers on a per kilometer basis and revamp the way up to $6 billion in road and vehicle taxes are collected.… Read More

Many states have further expanded the toxic chemical release reporting requirements mandated under the federal law. Minnesota law adds facilities that must report storage and emissions of toxics to include: transportation, electric and gas services, hospitals, medical labs, photofinishing labs, colleges, and correctional facilities, among others. Minnesota also collects a 2 cent per pound tax on the toxic chemicals listed on the TRI.… Read More

Regulations to keep communities safe from dangerous chemicals.

Four states currently ban billboards: Alaska, Hawaii, Maine and Vermont. It is no accident that these four states are known for their scenic beauty. Businesspeople in these states recognize that an unmarred landscape promotes tourism and benefits them in the long run. Billboard bans also level the playing field between local businesses and national chains in … Read More

Can a land tax reduce sprawl and strengthen urban economies? The evidence is persuasive though not conclusive. Political economist Henry George first proposed a land value tax over 100 years ago, as a way to eliminate land specualtion and make more land available for production.

Today,some observers hail it as a way to curb sprawl. Current property taxes are based in the value of property, reflecting both the land and structure value, in a proportion determined by local property assessors. Decisions to reinvest or remodel currently result in higher assessment valuations and thus higher taxes.

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A hazardous waste tax is assessed on generators when the waste is shipped, or when facilities recycle, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. The tax is based on the quantity of of the hazardous waste and its ultimate destination (e.g., whether it is destined for recycling, treatment, or land-disposal.)

Vermont has by far the highest tax rates on hazardous waste. As of 1995, waste generators pay a $.44/gal liquid or $112/ton solid waste disposal fee for land disposal, a $.33/gal liquid or $84/ton solid waste disposal fee for long term storage, a $.22/gal liquid or $56/ton solid waste disposal fee on waste blended, treated, or chemically treated, and a$.11/gal liquid or $28/ton fee solid waste disposal fee on reclaimed or recycled waste.

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The State of Indiana has a good example of a corporate "Good Character Law" when it comes to environmental protection.

Accordingto Indiana’s law, a company seeking a solid waste or hazardous waste permits from the IN Dept. of Environmental Management can be denied ona number of grounds. A company seeking a permit must submit a disclosure statement indicating any past wrongdoing. Denial of the permit can result if the IDEW Commissioner finds that:

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