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Overview of Municipal Powers in All 50 States

Mission Statement

Our Times: Program host Craig Barnes interview CELDF's Executive Director Thomas Linzey on KSFR 101.1 FM Santa Fe Public Radio

This Week on Democracy Matters - Continuing Our Month-Long Series on the History of Corporate "Rights" & Part II of our Discussion on Legalizing Marijuana in Washington State

Earth Air Waves: An End to Begging and Pleading?

This Week on Democracy Matters - our series on the History of Corporate "Rights" & Legalizing Marijuana in Washington State

CELDF's Projects Director Ben Price will be interviewed by David Bacon of KSFR 101.1 FM -- "Living on the Edge" 6:30 PM MST, Thursday, January 26, 2012

CELDF's Executive Director Thomas Linzey is interviewed by Faren Dancer of KTRC 1260 AM "Unicopia Green Radio"

Global Exchange's People to People Blog: The Best Government the 1% Can Buy: Is Reversing Citizens United or Corporate Personhood Enough?

This Week on Democracy Matters - Part III of our Month-Long Series on the History of Corporate Rights

This Week on Democracy Matters: Part II of our month-long series in the History of Corporate "Rights" and John Stauber on corporate and gov't propaganda

KALW Local Public Radio's Your Call: An Interview with CELDF's Thomas Linzey and Global Exchange's Shannon Biggs

Democracy School

What is Democracy School?

The Law of Freedom in a Platform Gerrard Winstanley - 1652

LEVELERS, DIGGERS and OTHER RADICALS

PREAMBLE AND DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES OF THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR OF AMERICA

WHAT LABOR MOVEMENT?

James B.Weaver - Populist Presidential Candidate, 1892 - On Corporate Piracy

AGRARIAN POPULISTS

WOMENS'SUFFRAGE

ANTI-FEDERALISTS

Democracy School Schedule

Democracy School On-Line

Democracy School On-Line - Part VIII

Democracy School On-Line - Part VII

Democracy School On-Line - Part VI

Democracy School On-Line - Part V

Democracy School On-Line - Part IV

Democracy School On-Line - Part III

Democracy School On-Line - Part II

Democracy School On-Line - Part I

Host a Democracy School

Toxic Sludge Is Good For You

Nevada City, CA Mayor Invites You to Democracy School

Selections From “THE SPIRIT of AMERICAN GOVERNMENT” by J. ALLEN SMITH

With the Declaration of Independence, Americans defied an illegitimate system of governance

FEDERALIST THINKING from Notes Taken at the Philadelphia Convention, 1787

The Articles of Confederation

The Wages of Resting Fundamental Rights on the Commerce Clause

PREAMBLE AND DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES OF THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR OF AMERICA

WHAT LABOR MOVEMENT?

The Enclosure Movement

Campaign in Your Community

New Hampshire Statewide Campaign

Pennsylvania Community Rights Network

Host a Democracy School

Community Organizing

Marcellus Shale Region

Municipal Governing Powers in 50 States

Municipal Governance in 50 States

Bloomberg: New York Fracking Advocates Say Local Drill Bans Would Be ‘Kiss of Death’

The New York Times: Drilling Critics Face a Divide Over the Goal of Their Fight

Political Subdivisions Map

Organizing Campaigns

East Brunswick Township Sewage Sludge Ordinance

Peters Township

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Peters council opposes proposed drilling regulations

Urging a No Vote on Peters Township Home Rule Charter Amendment

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Election showed fracking's key role in region

Philly.com: Pittsburgh suburb: No to drill ban

Real Clear Politics: Upscale Pittsburgh suburb rejects drilling ban

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Bid to ban drilling in Peters is defeated; voters in State College succeed

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Gas-drilling ban stalls in Peters

TribLive: Peters' gas-ban referendum draws out voters

Observer-Reporter: PT drilling referendum may be a first in U.S.

Question/Answer with Attorney Thomas Linzey of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund on the Proposed Peters Township Charter Amendment

The Daily Collegian: Amendment banning natural gas extraction passes

CELDF Press Release: State College Voters Adopt Community Rights Charter Amendment That Bans Gas Drilling

Centre Daily Times: Making history

StateCollege.com: State College Council Members Fight Environmental Proposal, Cite Procedural Concerns

Centre Daily Times: A yes vote for Home Rule

Voices of Central Pennsylvania: Drilling ban to appear on Borough ballot

Centre Daily Times: Opinion - Leave regulations up to the council

Times-Observer: Letter to the Editor - Do the math

Centre Daily Times: We can be changemakers

Marcellus Protest 2011: November 18th - Power to the People, Not the Corporations

Times-Observer: Referendum Fails: Warren voters turn down change in city charter

Times-Observer: Ballot question, plain language description

Times-Observer: Referendum in Warren would amend city charter

Times-Observer: Referendum (Letter to the editor)

Times-Observer: Referendum (Letter to the editor)

Times Observer: Referendum (Letter to the editor)

Times-Observer: City Wells (letter to the editor)

Times-Observer: Letter to the Editor - Do the math

Times-Observer: Local Ruling Upheld

Times-Observer: Local court order upheld

Blaine Township

The Opening Salvo: Blaine Township, Washington County Picks a Fight With Coal Corporations in Western Pennsylvania

The People of Blaine Township vs. King Coal

Blaine Township, PA takes on King Coal

Blaine Township v. King Coal

Keeping it clean

Blaine Ready to Fight Coal Industry

Blaine's goal:No coal

Documenting Blaine's Fight for Community Rights

Cheltenham Township

We the People of Cheltenham gets Question on the November Ballot

Press Release: We the People of Cheltenham file Petitions to Simplify Initiative and Referendum in their Home Rule Community

Cheltenham Ballot Title and Plain English Statement of the Measure

Citizen group’s ballot question sparks some controversy

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS STOP INJUNCTION AGAINST THEIR BILL OF RIGHTS

Cheltenham Voters to Decide Fate of 'Home Rule Charter'

Commissioners Monthly Meeting

Letter: Cheltenham Township Poised for Historic Vote on Charter Change

Letter: A look at proposed change to charter

Judge orders amendment on ballot

Packer Township

Press Release: Packer Township enacts law to enforce environmental standards the State says are too strong; Municipality rejects State preemption.

Lawsuit targets Packer biosolids law

Packer Township wins Round One of AG's sewer sludge suit

Press Release: Rural Pennsylvania Township Wins First Round of Sludge Fight Against Attorney General

Letter to PA Attorney General, April 17, 2009

Letter to PA Attorney General, August 28, 2008

Opinion of Commonwealth Court - Denial of Summary Judgment Against Packer Township - March 17, 2010

Pittsburgh News

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Straight-talking, passionate Shields leaves council

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Bill could hold gas companies liable

CELDF Press Release: Pittsburgh Council Votes to Ban Upstream Poisoning of City Residents and the Environment Caused by Corporations Fracking for Shale Gas

Canon-McMillan Patch: Will City of Pittsburgh Stand Up to Toxic Trespass?

Trib Live: Pittsburgh councilman again takes aim at drilling

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Shields bill would hold government accountable for gas drillers

Press Release, Office of City Council member Doug Shields: City Council member Doug Shields to introduce "Toxic Trespass" legislation

Green Living Ideas: The Power of Community Organizing: Pittsburgh’s Ban on Fracking

Pittsburgh City Paper: Op-ed: Ravenstahl rebuke may clear the air on gas bill

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council loses bid for drilling referendum

Tamaqua Borough

CELDF Press Release: Baldwin, PA, Adopts Community Rights Ordinance that Bans Extraction of Natural Gas

Statewide Campaign - PA Community Rights Network

If power emanates from the people and their consent is the sine qua non of a legitimate government, what happens when the people decide to alter their state constitution without utilizing established procedures? -- The Dorr War, Rhode Island, 1842

Why Do Community Rights Organizing?

The Chambersburg Declaration - Tri-Fold Brochure (pdf)

Join the Pennsylvania Community Rights Network - Tri-Fold Brochure (pdf)

Citizens Guide to a Modern Constitutional Convention in Pennsylvania

Making the Case for the Inalienable Right to Local Self Government (pdf)

Pennsylvania People's Constitutional Convention Campaign

Press Release: Laying the Groundwork for a People’s Constitutional Convention Pennsylvania Community Rights Network Launched

“How the Opportunity for Local Self-Government Must Be Won” Horace E. Deming, 1909

Making the Case for the Inalienable Right to Local Self Government

The Chambersburg Declaration

The Chambersburg Declaration - Tri-Fold Brochure

Join the Pennsylvania Community Rights Network - Tri-Fold Brochure

“How the Opportunity for Local Self-Government Must Be Won” Horace E. Deming, 1909

PA People's Constitutional Convention Campaign

Citizens Guide to a Modern Constitutional Convention in Pennsylvania

The Dorr War, 1842

Why Do Community Rights Organizing?

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Who knows best: On drilling, Republicans sell out on local control

Constitutional changes not imminent prospect

State bar to propose reforms

Blaine Ready to Fight Coal Industry

NW PCRN Chapter

DuBois council hears concerns about gas drilling

Letter From Co-Chairs Pedler and Belitskus, requesting endorsement of the Declartion of the Right of Communities to Water

Resolution in Support of The Declaration of the Right of Communities to Water

Declaration of the Right of Communities to Water

Common Sense -- Banning Fracking at the Local Level

TribLive: Speedy action urged on Pennsylvania drilling legislation

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Wilkinsburg council lobbies legislators on fracking

The Wall Street Journal: Report: Pa. data missing nearly 500 gas wells

The Times-Tribune: North Abington officials to wait on taking action about gas-drilling concerns

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Straight-talking, passionate Shields leaves council

Star-Telegram: 'Fractivists' spur Pennsylvania's gas debate

PennLive: Lycoming County township official blocks road with downed trees to force drilling company to make repairs

Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch: Officials Decry State Regulatory Bill for Gas Drilling

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Bill could hold gas companies liable

Clarion News: Millcreek focuses on zoning to regulate drilling

Biosolids project on Hold in Schuylkill Township

Slinging Sludge

Lawsuit targets Packer biosolids law

Packer Township wins Round One of AG's sewer sludge suit

Protesers Rally Against Sewage Sludge

Shrewsbury Township supervisors vow to continue fight against sludge

Sludge fertilizer plans raise concerns in Perry and Windsor townships

Packer biosolids battle continues

State agency pooh-poohs sludge worries

Pennsylvania Town Fights Big Coal on Mining Rights

Blaine Township v. King Coal

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township is Second to Ban Corporate Mining Concurrently Adopts Ordinance to Strip Corporations of “Rights” - Joins Growing List of Communities to Recognize the Rights Of Nature

Keeping it clean

Blaine Ready to Fight Coal Industry

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township Becomes First in the Nation to Ban Corporate Mining; Becomes Third Municipality in Pennsylvania to Recognize the Rights Of Nature, and Seventh in the Nation to Strip Corporations of “Rights”

Blaine's goal:No coal

Factory Farm Map - Locate Concentrations of the Corporatization of Agriculture in Your State

Nearly 1,000 dead pigs found on Fulton County farm

Lehigh Twp. restricts factory farms: Long-awaited ordinance controls size, scope of massive tracts known as CAFOs.

Factory Farms Cost of Farmers' Court Challenge: Nearly $250M

Home Rule in Pennsylvania

Dickinson Township spars with ACLU over public comment policy

Home Rule in Pennsylvania

PA Constitution, Statutes and Codes

Follow these links to information about Municipal Government in Pennsylvania

History of Pennsylvania Preemption of Local Self-Government

PA Home Rule Charters

PA Home Rule Charters - links to pdf files

TribLive: Speedy action urged on Pennsylvania drilling legislation

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Wilkinsburg council lobbies legislators on fracking

The Wall Street Journal: Report: Pa. data missing nearly 500 gas wells

The Times-Tribune: North Abington officials to wait on taking action about gas-drilling concerns

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Straight-talking, passionate Shields leaves council

Star-Telegram: 'Fractivists' spur Pennsylvania's gas debate

PennLive: Lycoming County township official blocks road with downed trees to force drilling company to make repairs

Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch: Officials Decry State Regulatory Bill for Gas Drilling

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Bill could hold gas companies liable

Clarion News: Millcreek focuses on zoning to regulate drilling

CELDF Press Release: Forest Hills Council Unanimously Adopts Community Rights Ordinance That Bans Gas Drilling

CELDF Press Release: "Peters Township Citizens Prevail: Local Bill of Rights and Fracking Ban to Appear on Ballot"

CELDF Press Release: "Forest Hills Council Votes Unanimously to Advertise a Community Rights Ordinance That Bans Gas Drilling"

CELDF Press Release: “Legal Defense Fund Prevails Over Warren County Board of Elections”

CELDF Press Release: “Let the People Decide!” - Pittsburgh City Council Votes to place Community Bill of Rights and Ban on Gas Extraction on the Ballot in November

CELDF Press Release: Baldwin, PA, Adopts Community Rights Ordinance that Bans Extraction of Natural Gas

CELDF Press Release: Wales, NY, Adopts Community Rights Ordinance That Bans “Fracking”

CELDF Press Release: West Homestead, PA, Adopts Community Bill of Rights Ordinance That Bans Gas Drilling

CELDF Press Release: Town of Wales, New York, Introduces Community Rights Ordinance That Bans “Fracking”

CELDF Press Release: Harveys Lake Council to Consider Banning Corporations from Drilling for Natural Gas

Statewide Campaign

Barnstead Declaration (DRAFT)

Local Control Over Large Scale Water Withdrawals Revoked by State, October 29, 2009

The Right of Local Self-Government is Denied by New Hampshire Preemptive Laws

Sustainable Energy - CELDF Position

Organizing Campaigns

WHY REGULATORY LAW FAILS TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES and HOW THE RIGHTS-BASED ORDINANCE WORKS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON BUSINESS “RIGHTS”

Barnstead Water Rights and Local Self-Government Ordinance

Communities Take Power: The Citizens of Barnstead, New Hampshire, Used Local Law to Keep Corporate Giants Out of Their Water

Barnstead, NH Lives Up To Its State Constitution

Gloucester moves to protect its water supply

Taking back our rights to fish

Who Decides? - Website of Gloucester Citizens Concerned About the Quality of Drinking Water

Anatomy of the Newfield Water Rights Ordinance

Newfield Adopts Local Law to Stop the Corporate Takeover of Ground Water

Newfield Water Rights and Local Self-Government Ordinance

USA Springs files bankruptcy plan

People of Nottingham Discuss their Water Rights Ordinance Campaign

Nottingham Asserts Right to Local Self Government

Citizens Inform USA Springs Corporation handlers that Nottingham Legally Prohibits Corporate Water Withdrawals

Shapleigh Closes Tap for Water Corporations - Portland Press Herald

Open Letter from Citizens of Shapleigh to their Intransigent Select Board

Shapleigh,ME Citizens Enact Water Rights Ordinance at Town Meeting Over Objections of Elected Officers - VIDEO

Letter: Elected Local Officers Negotiate Water Rights Away, in Meetings with Nestle Corporation

The Defeat of Community Rights by Means of Deception

Water Rights and Local Self-Government Ordinance (Not Enacted)

The Community Organizing Timeline in Wells

The Citizen of Laconia: Lawyer advocates for municipal rights during presentation

New Hampshire Union Leader: Northern Pass opponents learn from fight against USA Springs

NewHampshireLakesAndMountains.com: Meeting to develop a self-governing rights-based ordinance set for Nov. 16

Concord Monitor: How can we fight the Northern Pass?

Gloucester moves to protect its water supply

Taking back our rights to fish

Press Release: Local Law declares “corporate rights” cannot compete with the rights of living people.

Monroe rejects corporate personhood

USA Springs files bankruptcy plan

Test wells pulled from Shapleigh

Press Release: Local Law declares “corporate rights” cannot compete with the rights of living people.

POWWR Press Release: Newfield, Maine adopts local law to stop corporate takeover of ground water: CELDF drafts Ordinance

The 2010 Amendments to the NH Groundwater Protection Act

Northern Pass Opposition

People of Nottingham Discuss their Water Rights Ordinance Campaign

Shapleigh, Maine, Residents Vote in Rights-Based Ordinance to Protect Their Water

The Full Spokane Story

Envision Spokane

Envision Spokane Press Release: Launching New Community Bill of Rights Initiative

The Spokesman-Review: Incumbents slide, try to explain shift

The Spokesman-Review: Letter to the editor: Vote for your rights

KXLY: Envision Spokane Supporters Surprised By Prop. 1 Returns

The Spokesman-Review: Vote yes for Proposition 1

The Spokesman-Review: Scaled-back Bill of Rights still packs in issues

Envision Spokane: Community Rights, not Corporate Rights

Envision Spokane: Neighborhood Rights, Not Corporate Developer Rights

Envision Spokane: River Rights, Not Corporate Polluter Rights

Envision Spokane: Worker Rights, Not Corporate Employer Rights

Envision Spokane: Spokane's Community Bill of Rights: An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Envision Spokane Supporters Surprised By Prop. 1 Returns

Envision Spokane: Community Rights, not Corporate Rights

Envision Spokane: Neighborhood Rights, Not Corporate Developer Rights

Envision Spokane: River Rights, Not Corporate Polluter Rights

Envision Spokane: Worker Rights, Not Corporate Employer Rights

Democracy School

The Western Front: PAC wants Bellingham to adopt a Bill of Rights

The Bellingham Herald: Hundreds turn out to launch Bellingham anti-coal train initiative

The Independent Voter Network: Activists work to keep coal trains out of Washington town

The Daily Weekly: Coal Train Ban Is Gaining Steam in Bellingham

Bellingham Herald: Group seeks to ban coal trains in Bellingham

The Bellingham Herald: Activists plan initiative to outlaw coal trains in Bellingham

Community Organizing

Shasta and Goliath: Bringing Down Corporate Rule

Measure A showdown in court looms

Measure A appeal, response submitted to court

MT. Shasta Citizens Claim County Obstructs Voting Rights; Group Files Election Complaint to Reinstate Water Initiative On November Ballot

Outrage as PG&E Plans to Spray Clouds With Toxic Chemical to Increase Rainfall

Mt. Shasta water issue on ballot

Mt. Shasta Water Rights: Who Decides - A report on the Mt. Shasta Community Water Rights and Self-Government Ordinance

Water fills Mount Shasta council's agenda

Mount Shasta council to mull cloud-seeding ban

Citizens rally behind water rights ordinance

Santa Cruz Local Control, Pesticide and Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Dick Andre: City can take a stand against LBAM 'chemical trespass"

Hayduke Blog: How to Respect the Rights of Nature

Santa Monica Daily Press: Council supports rights of environment, corporations

Santa Monica Patch: Council Moves Toward Making 'Green' Goals Mandatory

Santa Monica Lookout: Santa Monica Adopts Sustainability Bill of Rights, Rejects Motion for Constitutional Amendment

Santa Monica Patch: Tonight: Admonishing 'Corporate Personhood'

Santa Monica Daily Press: Task force takes bold stance on environmental protection

Shasta and Goliath: Bringing Down Corporate Rule

Measure A showdown in court looms

Measure A appeal, response submitted to court

MT. Shasta Citizens Claim County Obstructs Voting Rights; Group Files Election Complaint to Reinstate Water Initiative On November Ballot

Shasta and Goliath: Bringing Down Corporate Rule

Measure A showdown in court looms

Measure A appeal, response submitted to court

MT. Shasta Citizens Claim County Obstructs Voting Rights; Group Files Election Complaint to Reinstate Water Initiative On November Ballot

Outrage as PG&E Plans to Spray Clouds With Toxic Chemical to Increase Rainfall

Mt. Shasta water issue on ballot

Mt. Shasta Water Rights: Who Decides - A report on the Mt. Shasta Community Water Rights and Self-Government Ordinance

Water fills Mount Shasta council's agenda

Mount Shasta council to mull cloud-seeding ban

Mt Shasta Community Water Rights Ordinance

Chemical Trespass and Honey Bees

Santa Cruz Local Control, Pesticide and Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Shannon Biggs at the Local Democracy Convention

How Communities are Saying "NO" to Corporate Rights

Shannon Biggs, Director of the Community Rights program, discuss Community Rights Organizing and our current campaigns in California!

Shannon Biggs and Kevin Danaher of Global Exchange interviewed at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Nevada City, CA, January 2010.

Ben Price of CELDF and Shannon Biggs of Global Exchange present Rights-Based Ordinance to the People Against Chemical Trespass, Santa Cruz, CA

GX rights-based organizing

GX rights based organizing 2

Community Organizing

Communities of Southside Virginia

Town of Halifax Corporate Mining, Bodily Trespass and Local Self-Government Ordinance

Rights-Based Organizing in "Southside" Virginia Sparked by Uranium Mining Threat - the Full Story

Chesterfield subdivision ordinance changed by court

Petition asks county to ban uranium mining, proposed 'constitution' could replace supervisors

Campbell rejects biosolids ordinance

Halifax Approves Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Citizens speak out at uranium mining forum

Mining forum views blasted

Editorial: Not in their town

Public forum to focus on uranium

Forum rallies against mining

FAM agrees to work with CELDF on an ordinance that would limit mining

Press Release: Virginia Town First in U.S. to Ban Chemical and Radioactive Bodily Trespass; Also Strips Corporations of “Rights” - Joins Growing List of Communities Recognizing Rights of Nature

Ohio Constitution, Statutes and Codes

Record Pub: GALLERY: Randolph residents want fracking ban

WFMJ: Grassroots effort against fracking in Beaver Township

Salem News: Injection well foes meet in North Lima

Vindy.com: DC Fracking Today

WFMJ: Liberty Township trustees may challenge state on drilling

OhioFracktion: To Save the Land and the People: Youngstown 7 on Trial- REDUCED CHARGES!

Mansfield News Journal: Fracking opponents organize

Cincinnati.com: Ohio Supreme Court ruling validates 'home rule'

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cities see death knell ringing on 'home rule'

The Columbus Dispatch: City’s lending law goes too far; Ohio law prevails, state’s high court rules in Cleveland case

Colorado Constitution, Statues, and Codes

Chemical Trespass

Opposition to treatment plant grows: Citizens form group to fight plan to treat gas drilling water

Petition asks county to ban uranium mining, proposed 'constitution' could replace supervisors

'Toxic trespass' law gets a boost

Group to present East Berlin Borough Council with toxin-trespass ordinance

Asking for a toxic lawsuit?

Packer supervisors defy AG on biosolids

Packer supers take stand on biosolids

Packer ordinance revision confronts attorney general

Packer biosolids battle continues

Halifax Approves Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Newsletter (see page 11)

East Berlin Borough Toxic Trespass Ordinance

Tamaqua Borough Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Bethel Corporate Toxics and Local Self-Government Ordinance

Packer Township Local Control, Sewage Sludge and Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Chemical Trespass and Honey Bees

Santa Cruz Local Control, Pesticide and Chemical Trespass Ordinance

East Berlin, PA Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Toxic Trespass from Uranium Mining Opposed in Southside Virginia

People Against Chemical Trespass - Santa Cruz, California

Factory Farm Map - Locate Concentrations of the Corporatization of Agriculture in Your State

The Farm Bureau - Factory Farm Champion, From 60 Minutes 2000. Part 2

The Farm Bureau - Factory Farm Champion, From 60 Minutes 2000. Part 1

Anti-Corporate Farming Laws in the Heartland

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) Southampton Anti-Corporate Farming Ordinance (also known as the “Family Farm Protection Ordinance”)

Southampton Anti-Corporate Agriculture Ordinance

Nearly 1,000 dead pigs found on Fulton County farm

Lehigh Twp. restricts factory farms: Long-awaited ordinance controls size, scope of massive tracts known as CAFOs.

Officials mull proposed ag law: The ordinance would give Peach Bottom Twp. officials power to police the industry

Court nixes large-farm ACRE suit

Belfast Township in Fulton County has won the first round in a legal fight to regulate corporate farming.

Factory Farms Cost of Farmers' Court Challenge: Nearly $250M

The Next Step: Beyond Sustainable Agriculture

Common Sense -- Banning Fracking at the Local Level

Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling

Non-Rights Based Fracking Ordinances

Trib Live: Range Resources takes South Fayette to court

The New York Times: As Gas Drilling Spreads, Towns Stand Ground Over Control

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Municipal officials decry state control of shale drilling

State Impact: Local Officials Slam Impact Fee’s Zoning Restrictions

The Philadelphia Inquirer: 'Us vs. Them' in Pa. Gaslands

Trib Live: Municipal leaders eye game plan on drilling

Trib Live: Preserved farms not protected from drilling

Earthworks: The gas industry’s sleight of hand: drilling away local rights

Easton Patch: Local Government Makes Fracking Hard to Handle

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Judge allows South Fayette drilling hearing tonight

WTOV9: Morgantown lets illegal drilling ban stay on books

Trib Live: Morgantown may rescind gas-drilling law

The Herald: Ordinance regulating gas drilling being challenged

Accident Injury Blog: Judge Says No to Morgantown Fracking Ban

The Charleston Gazette: Industry applauds ruling on Morgantown gas drilling ban

The Charleston Gazette: Wellsburg rescinds Marcellus gas drilling ban

The State Journal: Gas Producer Fights Morgantown Anti-Fracking Law

The Daily Athenaeum: Fracking ban questioned in county court

The Charleston Gazette: Company sues Morgantown over drilling ban

West Virginia Public Broadcasting: Company sues Morgantown over drilling ban

Gotham Gazette: Will Community Bans on Hydrofracking Hold Up?

WAMC Northeast Public Radio: NY Communities Challenge Gas Drilling

WBNG News: Tusten Town Board Bans Hydrofracking

PressConnect.com: Dryden defends gas ban in State Supreme Court

The Cornell Daily Sun: As Ithaca Votes on Fracking, Dryden Defends Its Ban

Times Union: Jennings vetoes city ban on gas drilling

The Ithacan: Firm sues Dryden for ban on fracking

Your News Now: Common Council approves hydrofracking ban

Politics on the Hudson: Syracuse latest city to ban hydrofracking

Catskills Citizens for Safe Energy: Municipal Zoning Bans on Natural Gas Drilling and Related Lawsuits

The Republic: Gansler says mineral-rights leases may put mortgages at risk in western Md. gas region

Record Pub: GALLERY: Randolph residents want fracking ban

WFMJ: Grassroots effort against fracking in Beaver Township

TribLive: Speedy action urged on Pennsylvania drilling legislation

Salem News: Injection well foes meet in North Lima

Bloomberg: New York Fracking Advocates Say Local Drill Bans Would Be ‘Kiss of Death’

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Wilkinsburg council lobbies legislators on fracking

Vindy.com: DC Fracking Today

The Wall Street Journal: Report: Pa. data missing nearly 500 gas wells

The New York Times: Drilling Critics Face a Divide Over the Goal of Their Fight

WFMJ: Liberty Township trustees may challenge state on drilling

The Bellingham Herald: Hundreds turn out to launch Bellingham anti-coal train initiative

The Independent Voter Network: Activists work to keep coal trains out of Washington town

The Daily Weekly: Coal Train Ban Is Gaining Steam in Bellingham

Bellingham Herald: Group seeks to ban coal trains in Bellingham

The Bellingham Herald: Activists plan initiative to outlaw coal trains in Bellingham

Mass Arrests in DC: "We Shall No Longer Be Crucified on the Cross of Coal"

Pennsylvania Town Fights Big Coal on Mining Rights

Petition asks county to ban uranium mining, proposed 'constitution' could replace supervisors

Blaine Township v. King Coal

Halifax Approves Chemical Trespass Ordinance

Effort to halt mining damage crawls: Act says firms must repair, not prevent

Court Restricts Coal Mines' Surface Impacts

Wetlands and Longwall Mining: Regulatory Failure in Southwestern Pennsylvania (pdf file)

"Regulating" the Rate of Destruction

Canon-McMillan Patch: The Pennsylvania DEP, another Red Herring?

Group: DEP bending rules

Blaine Township Corporate Land Development Ordinance

Pittsburgh bans gas drilling: City becomes first in state to prohibit Shale activity over health and environmental concerns.

Biosolids project on Hold in Schuylkill Township

Slinging Sludge

Lawsuit targets Packer biosolids law

Packer Township wins Round One of AG's sewer sludge suit

Anti-ACRE Law Rally, Harrisburg Capital, March 9, 2010 -- VIDEO #2

Protesters Rally Against Sewage Sludge

Anti-ACRE Law Rally, Harrisburg Capital, March 9, 2010 -- VIDEO

Shrewsbury changes sludge rules under pressure from AG's office

Shrewsbury Township supervisors vow to continue fight against sludge

Sheldon Rampton on The Strings that Control the Public Mind -- How Public Relations Sold Sewage Disposal as Agricultural Recycling

Toxic Waters: Clean Water Laws Are Neglected, at a Cost in Suffering

Piling it High The sewage sludge industry meets the light of day

UGA faces claim over sewage sludge research

Scientist’s attorney says UGA spread false data to win grants

A sludge nightmare along the Susquehanna

A Dirty Shame - Tony Behun

NAACP Wants Probe Of Sludge Research In Poor Neighborhoods

The Sewage Sludge Ordinance in East Brunswick Township, PA: Why Did they Do it?

The Dumping Grounds of Schuylkill County

The Commercialization of Sewage Sludge

Sustainable Energy

The Citizen of Laconia: Lawyer advocates for municipal rights during presentation

New Hampshire Union Leader: Northern Pass opponents learn from fight against USA Springs

NewHampshireLakesAndMountains.com: Meeting to develop a self-governing rights-based ordinance set for Nov. 16

Shasta and Goliath: Bringing Down Corporate Rule

Lehman Twp. residents want water protected

Measure A showdown in court looms

Measure A appeal, response submitted to court

MT. Shasta Citizens Claim County Obstructs Voting Rights; Group Files Election Complaint to Reinstate Water Initiative On November Ballot

Outrage as PG&E Plans to Spray Clouds With Toxic Chemical to Increase Rainfall

Mt. Shasta water issue on ballot

Water ordinance special report in progress

Citizens rally behind water rights ordinance

Mount Shasta council to mull cloud-seeding ban

Has the U.S. Passed the Point of Peak Water?

Water Bottling Corporations, Water Source and Brand Names Chart

Shapleigh, Maine, Residents Vote in Rights-Based Ordinance to Protect Their Water

Rights of Nature

Discovery News: Mother Nature Gets Her Day in Court

Hayduke Blog: How to Respect the Rights of Nature

Santa Monica Daily Press: Council supports rights of environment, corporations

Green Prophet:Will Turkey’s New Constitution Include Ecological Protections?

Press Action: Municipal Civil Disobedience: Helping Communities Fight for Ecosystem Rights

Tikkun: A Community Perspective on the Rights of Nature

Media Global News: Can Ecuador’s revolutionary plan still save Yasuní?

ABC Radio National Late Night Live: Earth Jurisprudence

Crikey: Can lawyers save the planet?

Santa Monica Daily Press: Task force takes bold stance on environmental protection

Press Release: Ecuador Approves New Constitution: Voters Approve Rights of Nature

Press Release: Ecuador Constitutional Assembly Votes to Approve Rights of Nature In New Constitution

Press Release: Virginia Town First in U.S. to Ban Chemical and Radioactive Bodily Trespass; Also Strips Corporations of “Rights” - Joins Growing List of Communities Recognizing Rights of Nature

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township is Second to Ban Corporate Mining Concurrently Adopts Ordinance to Strip Corporations of “Rights” - Joins Growing List of Communities to Recognize the Rights Of Nature

Press Release: Another Pennsylvania Township Strips Sludge Corporations of “Rights” - East Brunswick Ordinance Recognizes the Rights of Nature; Asserts Civil Rights of Residents to Sue Corporations as State Actors

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township Becomes First in the Nation to Ban Corporate Mining; Becomes Third Municipality in Pennsylvania to Recognize the Rights Of Nature, and Seventh in the Nation to Strip Corporations of “Rights”

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township Becomes First in the Nation to Ban Corporate Mining; Becomes Third Municipality in Pennsylvania to Recognize the Rights Of Nature, and Seventh in the Nation to Strip Corporations of “Rights”

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township is Second to Strip Sludge Corporations of “Rights” - Joins Tamaqua Borough to Become Second Municipality in the United States to Recognize the Rights of Nature

Press Release: Pennsylvania Borough Strips Sludge Corporations of “Rights” - Becomes First Municipality in the United States to Recognize the Rights of Nature

Press Release: PA Borough Strips Sludge Corporations of “Rights,” First Municipality in U.S. to Recognize the Rights of Nature

Rights of Nature FAQs

Ecuador Constitution

Articles of the Constitution

Articles approved by Ecuador’s Constitutional Assembly, April 10th, 2008

Draft Rights of Nature Ordinance

Universal Declaration on the Rights of Mother Earth

Pachamama Hosts Global Alliance for Rights of Nature in San Francisco

CELDF's Mari Margil at Bioneers 2009: Who Speaks for the Trees? Driving Nature's Rights Into Law

Suggested Reading

Exploring Wild Law: the Philosophy of Earth Jurisprudence

Rights of Nature: Making a Case for the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth

A New Paradigm for Nature – Turning our Values into Law

Does Nature Have Rights: Transforming Grassroots Organizing to Protect the People and the Planet

What are Rights, and How can Nature "Have" Rights?

Should Trees Have Standing?: Law, Morality, and the Environment (3rd Edition), by Christopher D. Stone, 2010

Wild Law: A Manifesto for Earth Justice, by Cormac Cullinan

The Rights of Nature: A History of Environmental Ethics

Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature

Corporate Rights

Discovery News: Mother Nature Gets Her Day in Court

Santa Monica Daily Press: Council supports rights of environment, corporations

Santa Monica Patch: Council Moves Toward Making 'Green' Goals Mandatory

Santa Monica Lookout: Santa Monica Adopts Sustainability Bill of Rights, Rejects Motion for Constitutional Amendment

Santa Monica Patch: Tonight: Admonishing 'Corporate Personhood'

Truthout: How Can Communities Defend Themselves From Corporate Interests?

Salon: The hard truth about Citizens United

Global Exchange's People to People Blog: The Best Government the 1% Can Buy: Is Reversing Citizens United or Corporate Personhood Enough?

CELDF Press Release: Statement on Activism Related to Citizens United and a Model Bill of Rights Elections Ordinance

Yes! Magazine: A Bill of Rights for Occupied Communities

Excerpt from "The Confessions of a Reformer," written in 1925 by Richard C. Howe

Tom Paine on Corporate Charters

Corporations and Natural Rights By Charles A. Beard

CELDF Press Release: Statement on Activism Related to Citizens United and a Model Bill of Rights Elections Ordinance

Press Release: Local Law declares “corporate rights” cannot compete with the rights of living people.

Press Release: Supreme Court Decision in Citizens United Case “Inevitable”

Press Release: Packer Township, PA, Bans Corporate Sewage Sludge Dumping; Becomes Third Community in Nation to Ban Chemical Bodily Trespass; Strips Corporations of Claim to Constitutional “Rights”

Press Release: Mahanoy Township, PA, Bans Corporate Sewage Sludge Dumping; Becomes Second Community in Nation to Ban Chemical Bodily Trespass; Strips Corporations of Claim to “Rights”

Press Release: Virginia Town First in U.S. to Ban Chemical and Radioactive Bodily Trespass; Also Strips Corporations of “Rights” - Joins Growing List of Communities Recognizing Rights of Nature

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township is Second to Ban Corporate Mining Concurrently Adopts Ordinance to Strip Corporations of “Rights” - Joins Growing List of Communities to Recognize the Rights Of Nature

Press Release: Another Pennsylvania Township Strips Sludge Corporations of “Rights” - East Brunswick Ordinance Recognizes the Rights of Nature; Asserts Civil Rights of Residents to Sue Corporations as State Actors

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township Becomes First in the Nation to Ban Corporate Mining; Becomes Third Municipality in Pennsylvania to Recognize the Rights Of Nature, and Seventh in the Nation to Strip Corporations of “Rights”

Press Release: Pennsylvania Township Becomes First in the Nation to Ban Corporate Mining; Becomes Third Municipality in Pennsylvania to Recognize the Rights Of Nature, and Seventh in the Nation to Strip Corporations of “Rights”

CELDF and Global Exchange: Occupy Wall Street

CELDF's Thomas Linzey, Turning Defense into Offense: Challenging Corporations and Creating Self-Governance, Bioneers Conference, 2006

Richard Grossman on Corporate Rights, Seattle, WA, 2005

CELDF's Thomas Linzey on Corporate Rights, Seattle, WA, 2005

Citizens United

States Overriding Municipal Powers

Restructuring Local Government

REGIONALISM — DEATH OF THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

Could municipalities be a thing of the past?

Little support in General Assembly for municipal elimination

Let the counties handle services

Bloomberg: New York Fracking Advocates Say Local Drill Bans Would Be ‘Kiss of Death’

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Election showed fracking's key role in region

Philly.com: Pittsburgh suburb: No to drill ban

The Spokesman-Review: Incumbents slide, try to explain shift

The Times-Tribune: Voters reject home rule referendum in Newton Twp.

Real Clear Politics: Upscale Pittsburgh suburb rejects drilling ban

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Bid to ban drilling in Peters is defeated; voters in State College succeed

The Daily Collegian: Amendment banning natural gas extraction passes

Times-Observer: Referendum Fails: Warren voters turn down change in city charter

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Gas-drilling ban stalls in Peters

What is Municipal Home Rule?

Home Rule in the States

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in Virginia

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in Indiana

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in New Jersey

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in Arkansas

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in Wisconsin

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in West Virginia

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in New Hampshire

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in Arizona

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in Tennessee

Follow these links to information about Home Rule and Municipal Government in South Carolina

Home Rule in Pennsylvania

Municipal Corporations vs. Business Corporations

Centralization and Popular Control, From: The Growth and Decadence of Constitutional Government, by J. Allen Smith, 1930

Excerpt from "The Confessions of a Reformer," written in 1925 by Richard C. Howe

Readings in the History of Local Self-Government

Some Early Home Rule Charters for American Cities

Canada and Home Rule

Citizen's Hall: Making Local Democracy Work

European Charter of Local Self-Government

Statement on Efforts to Amend the U.S. Constitution following Citizens United - CELDF January 2012

This Changes Everything: Occupy Wall Street and the 99% Movement

Sustainable Energy - CELDF Position Paper

Mt. Shasta Water Rights: Who Decides - A report on the Mt. Shasta Community Water Rights and Self-Government Ordinance

The Chambersburg Declaration - Tri-Fold Brochure (pdf)

Join the Pennsylvania Community Rights Network - Tri-Fold Brochure (pdf)

Think the Courts Will Save You? [pdf three-panel printable brochure]

CELDF's Susquehanna Newsletter

The Bottom Line or Public Health: Tactics Corporations Use to Influence Health and Health Policy, and What We Can Do to Counter Them

Be the Change: How to Get What You Want in Your Community

Pittsburgh's “Toxic Trespass Resulting from Unconventional Natural Gas Drilling.”

Town of Wales, New York Community Protection of Natural Resources

Mountain Lake Park, Maryland - Protection from Gas Extraction Ordinance

Pittsburgh’s Community Protection from Natural Gas Extraction Ordinance

Packer Township Community Self-Government Ordinance

Danby Community Water Rights and Self-Government Ordinance

Lehman Township Community Water Rights and Self-Government Ordinance

Rockland Township Water Supply Protection Act

Wayne Township Corporate Ownership and Control Disclosure Ordinance

Windsor Township Corporate Land Development Ordinance

Ordinance Archive

A Letter from Executive Director Thomas Linzey

Pennsylvania's Top Ten for 2011

News from the New England Organizers

Our Work in Washington State

Wilkinsburg Borough Council Adopts Community Rights Ordinance That Bans Gas Drilling

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Will the People Decide?

Wagon Mound Self-Government Movement Falters

Saying No to Fracking, Yes to Local Self-Governance

Legal Defense Fund Travels to Ireland

Proposed Amendment on November Ballot in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Council to Consider Banning Corporations from Drilling for Natural Gas in the City

First Pennsylvania Community Rights Network Chapter Formed in Northwestern Pennsylvania

Packer Township in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Stands Up for Community Rights

CELDF at Bioneers – October 2010

Corporations Routinely Wield Court-Bestowed Rights to Deny the Rights of Communities to Govern Themselves [pdf - printable download]

Making the Case: People Possess an Inalienable Right to Local Self-Government -- from Penn Ridge et. al. vs. Blaine Township [pdf - printable download]

CELDF Model Brief to Eliminate Corporate Rights

Memorandum of Law and History in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss: PENN RIDGE COAL, LLC and ALLEGHENY PITTSBURGH COAL v. BLAINE TOWNSHIP

BRIEF OF RESPONDENTS IN OPPOSITION TO APPLICATION FOR SUMMARY RELIEF: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA vs. EAST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP

Books Available for Purchase

Should Trees Have Standing?: Law, Morality, and the Environment (3rd Edition), by Christopher D. Stone, 2010

Be the Change: How to Get What You Want in Your Community

Wild Law: A Manifesto for Earth Justice (2nd edition), by Cormac Cullinan, 2011

The Santa Clara Blues: Corporate Personhood versus Democracy

Railroads and Clearcuts: Legacy of Congress' 1864 Northern Pacific Railroad Land Grant

The Populist Moment: A Short History of the Agrarian Revolt in America

Gaveling Down the Rabble: How "Free Trade" Is Stealing Our Democracy

The First American Revolution: Before Lexington and Concord

Fear at Work: Job Blackmail, Labor and the Environment

The Elite Consensus: When Corporations Wield the Constitution

Suggested Reading

This Changes Everything: Occupy Wall Street and the 99% Movement

The Dorr War, 1842: Elimination of property requirements for voting and final establishment of universal white male suffrage in the United States

The Agrarian Populists: Largest and Least Known Grassroots Democracy Movement in American History

Community Legal Documents and Support

Ending Corporate Governance

Forming a Non-Profit

Record Pub: GALLERY: Randolph residents want fracking ban

The Citizen of Laconia: Lawyer advocates for municipal rights during presentation

The Western Front: PAC wants Bellingham to adopt a Bill of Rights

Discovery News: Mother Nature Gets Her Day in Court

The Bellingham Herald: Hundreds turn out to launch Bellingham anti-coal train initiative

Santa Monica Daily Press: Council supports rights of environment, corporations

Santa Monica Patch: Council Moves Toward Making 'Green' Goals Mandatory

Santa Monica Lookout: Santa Monica Adopts Sustainability Bill of Rights, Rejects Motion for Constitutional Amendment

WFMJ: Grassroots effort against fracking in Beaver Township

Santa Monica Patch: Tonight: Admonishing 'Corporate Personhood'

CELDF Press Release: Statement on Activism Related to Citizens United and a Model Bill of Rights Elections Ordinance

CELDF Press Release: Pittsburgh Council Votes to Ban Upstream Poisoning of City Residents and the Environment Caused by Corporations Fracking for Shale Gas

CELDF Press Release: State College Voters Adopt Community Rights Charter Amendment That Bans Gas Drilling

CELDF Press Release: Forest Hills Council Unanimously Adopts Community Rights Ordinance That Bans Gas Drilling

CELDF Press Release: "Peters Township Citizens Prevail: Local Bill of Rights and Fracking Ban to Appear on Ballot"

CELDF Press Release: "Forest Hills Council Votes Unanimously to Advertise a Community Rights Ordinance That Bans Gas Drilling"

CELDF Press Release: “Legal Defense Fund Prevails Over Warren County Board of Elections”

CELDF Press Release: “Let the People Decide!” - Pittsburgh City Council Votes to place Community Bill of Rights and Ban on Gas Extraction on the Ballot in November

CELDF Press Release: Wilkinsburg Borough Council Unanimously Adopts Community Rights Ordinance That Bans Gas Drilling

CELDF Press Release: Baldwin, PA, Adopts Community Rights Ordinance that Bans Extraction of Natural Gas

Earth Air Waves: An End to Begging and Pleading?

CELDF's Executive Director Thomas Linzey is interviewed by Faren Dancer of KTRC 1260 AM "Unicopia Green Radio"

KALW Local Public Radio's Your Call: An Interview with CELDF's Thomas Linzey and Global Exchange's Shannon Biggs

KDNK Community Radio's Shifting Gears: An Interview with CELDF's Mari Margil

KDNK Community Radio's Shifting Gears: An Interview with CELDF's Thomas Linzey - Part 1

KDNK Community Radio's Shifting Gears: An Interview with CELDF's Thomas Linzey - Part 2

Envision Spokane Supporters Surprised By Prop. 1 Returns

CELDF and Global Exchange: Occupy Wall Street

The Next Step: Beyond Sustainable Agriculture

Envision Spokane: Community Rights, not Corporate Rights

Radio: Democracy Matters

Podcasts: Democracy Matters

Democracy Matters Podcast - January 29, 2012

Democracy Matters Podcast - January 23, 2012

Democracy Matters Podcast - January 16, 2012

Democracy Matters Podcast - January 9, 2012

Democracy Matters Podcast - January 2, 2012

Democracy Matters Podcast - December 26, 2011

Democracy Matters Podcast - December 19, 2011

Democracy Matters Podcast - December 12, 2011

Democracy Matters Podcast - December 5, 2011

Democracy Matters Podcast - November 27, 2011

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