As we detailed a few weeks ago [1], rightwing developers are using the cover of "fixing" eminent domain to push radical anti-environment initiatives on ballots across the country. Opponents ranging from outdoor sports organizations to labor unions have been mobilizing in response. A few highlights:
Montana -- Trout Unlimited slammed the proposed I-154 in a letter to the editor in Headwaters News [2] as "a Trojan horse" designed to make it easier for Wal-Mart or a gravel pit to open right next to peoples' homes. The states' largest employee union, MEA-MFT, which represents 16,000 public employees, came out in opposition [3]and its President Eric Feaver, called the initiative "an anarchist's dream." Activists continue to challenge the legality of the signatures [4] that qualified the initiative based on signature gatherers giving deceptive information to the public.
California -- The San Francisco Chronicle has a podcast [5] of its interview with High Country News's Ray Ring, which accompanies a Sunday article [6]by Ring, which highlights the $1.5 million in contributions from developer Howie Rich which is bankrolling these initiatives across the country.
Washington -- At an event in Everett, Gov. Chris Gregoire restated her opposition [7]to I-933, saying the law would lead to endless lawsuits against local governments. Sightline Institute highlighted a study [8] arguing that many of the land regulations that supposed reduce property values can actually increase their value.
Nevada -- The Review Journal [9]became one of the first major state publications to make the connection between the PISTOL initiative and Howard Rich. The state Supreme Court will be deciding [10] whether the initiative violated the state's single subject rule.
Arizona -- The League of Arizona Cities and Towns has filed a lawsuit [11] against Proposition 207, citing the state rule that ballot measures must identify a source of funding for any costs.
Idaho -- A number [12] of communities [13] are rushing through local environmental and energy conservation ordinances, since the proposed Proposition 2 would only undermine future regulations.
Oregon -- In the state whose Measure 37 is the model for the other states, the town of Beaverton is worried that their rejection of Wal-Mart's plan [14]to build a store that would have disrupted local transit plans will lead to a Measure 37 lawsuit against the town. Proposed "stream buffers" to put a moratorium on building along the city's main waterways have been dropped [15]after property owners threatened lawsuits under Measure 37.
More Resources [16]