Is the Supreme Court Capable of Valuing the Environment?
The Supreme Court will issue an opinion in the Water Wars case between Georgia and Florida as early as May 21st. When the two states made their arguments in January, several justices appeared sympathetic to Florida. Meanwhile, in a brief on the matter, Atlanta asserted that the Supreme Court shouldn’t even attempt to help Florida because the benefits of the environment are often too vague to be valued.
Georgia Supreme Court Hands Citizens Two Major Victories
After paying a Kennesaw State professor to conduct research on their behalf, a payday lender group sought to prohibit the disclosure of documents related to the study. In a major victory for transparency, the Georgia Supreme Court unanimously rejected their argument on Monday while also issuing an opinion making it easier to sue Georgia Power.
Where the Sidewalk Ends: Atlanta Sued for Failing to Maintain Sidewalks, Intersections
Atlanta is not the only one with problems this week. A federal court ruled that the EPA must produce the evidence being used to support the claim that humans do not contribute to climate change and the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that public meetings about rezoning proposals must actually be meaningful.
Atlanta Surges in Growth as Metro Area Exceeds 45% of Georgia’s Population
Atlanta’s historic population growth this decade accelerated over the past two years according to the latest estimates from the US Census Bureau. Growth was not shared evenly in the state, though, as 77 of Georgia’s 159 counties lost population.
Paul Newman Talks Zoning, Destroys Shadows
This week, Paul Newman discusses why New York City’s zoning changes in the 1980’s will create more shadows and ruin neighborhoods, our new tool that puts Atlanta’s weather into a historical context, and the US Supreme Court strikes a major blow to employees and consumers.
Trees: Taking Up Space Since 385 Million B.C.
While evidence showing the benefits of trees continues to mount, urban and suburban areas are losing tree cover at an alarming rate. In debating the removal of trees in urban areas, let’s not forget why we like living in Atlanta.
Housing Crisis? What Housing Crisis?
This week, amid a nationwide housing crisis, HUD proposes cuts to housing subsidies for the poor, elderly, and disabled. Also, Roanoke incorporates beer into their official marketing and economic strategy, MARTA released its list of proposed transit projects, and California will require solar panels on all new homes.
Tenants Suffer Yet Another Loss at the Georgia Court of Appeals
The Georgia Court of Appeals recently ruled that landlords can severely limit legal actions against them by tenants. Even if you’re not a tenant, the decision is important because it’s another example of how consumers are routinely forced to forgo their access to the judicial system in order to participate in everyday transactions. Tenants did, though, score a major victory in the Georgia Legislature.
Not Only is the EPA’s Wasteful Spending Unpopular, Its Entire Mission is Unpopular
This week, another poll shows President Trump’s environmental policies are widely unpopular, though people don’t seem too concerned about drastically cutting the National Weather Service’s budget. Also, Sweden introduces the first road capable of charging electric vehicles while they drive. And a study by AAA shows hit-and-runs are increasing as more people are walking and cycling, though the report mentions nothing about creating less car-friendly and more people-friendly cities as a solution.
Public Access to Beaches is Under Attack
This week, a new Florida law prohibits local governments from passing laws designed to protect the public’s access to beaches, the line dividing the arid part of the country from the moister part is moving eastward, and metro Atlanta residents spend over $10,000 a year on driving-related expenses.
You Don’t Own That Parking Spot in Front of Your House
Throwing eggs and leaving angry notes are just a couple ways people have shown their dissatisfaction with someone parking in front of their house on a public street. These actions come despite the angry note leaver or egg thrower having no legal right to the parking spot. While parking restrictions may be necessary in some situations, burdensome auto abandonment laws and inappropriate restrictions could raise rents and create more trouble.
