R.J. Smith, champion of private conservation
In 1981, scholar R.J. Smith argued private property rights were key to preserving natural resources and wildlife. “The problems of environmental degradation, overexploitation of natural resources, and depletion of wildlife all derive from their existence as common property resources,” he wrote in “Resolving the Tragedy of the Co ...
Fox News: Supreme Court can fix the homeless crisis that the government caused
On Monday, April 22, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson . The question before the justices is: did the Ninth Circuit correctly hold that the Eighth Amendment prevents cities from enforcing civil or criminal restrictions on the homeless sleeping or camping on public property? Underlying the specific legal … ...
California occupational licensing bill picks winners and losers based on their race
California legislators are considering a bill that gives the government the authority to choose winners and losers based solely on their race. According to the Little Hoover Commission, as of 2016, one in five Californians are required to obtain an occupational license before they are allowed to earn a living in their chosen career field. … ...
Pennsylvania tree service company sues to block unlawful ban on non-compete agreements
Today, ATS Tree Services, LLC filed suit against the Federal Trade Commission to block its national ban on non-compete agreements. … ...
ATS Tree Services, LLC v. Federal Trade Commission
Adam Servin founded ATS Tree Services in 2014, offering tree removal services and firewood sales in Pennsylvania. ATS asks new employees to sign a one-year non-compete agreement, meaning an employee who leaves must wait one year before working at a competitor tree care company in the same geographic area as ATS. In 2024, the FTC issued a new rule b ...
Georgia takes first steps to end antiquated CON laws
On Friday, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law HB 1339, which partially reduces Georgia’s restrictions on healthcare innovation. The bill substantially reforms the state’s Certificate of Need program, lightening the burden on new healthcare services across the state and improving healthcare access in rural areas. … ...
The Center Square: Greater government accountability comes to Indiana
As the legislative session unfolded in Indianapolis, a theme emerged – the government must be more accountable to the people. Gov. Eric Holcomb’s recent signing of a suite of new bills ensures that Indiana’s courts and executive agencies are serving their proper roles and not abusing their power. Hoosiers across the state will benefi ...
With Sheetz victory, PLF’s record at the Supreme Court is unmatched
On April 12, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled for Pacific Legal Foundation client George Sheetz in a case challenging extortionate permit fees for homebuilders. PLF now has won 18 of 20 cases we’ve litigated at the Supreme Court. Ten of the 18, including Sheetz, were unanimous decisions. Seven were won in the past five years. … ...