Articles

PLF appeals cap and trade auction ruling to California Supreme Court

May 17, 2017 | By TONY FRANCOIS

Yesterday, on behalf of our clients in Morning Star Packing Company v. California Air Resources Board, we filed our Petition for Review in the California Supreme Court, asking the state high court to review and reverse the court of appeal’s decision that the billions of dollars that companies like Morning Star Packing Co must pay … ...

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PLF will present oral argument next tuesday in California energy tax case

January 20, 2017 | By TONY FRANCOIS

Next Tuesday I will be arguing on behalf of Morning Star Packing Co., the National Tax Limitation Committee, and several other clients in PLF’s challenge to California’s unconstitutional auction of air emissions permits. This case will determine whether California can continue raising billions in illegal taxes by auctioning off permits ...

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PLF argues for constitutional limits on California fuel rationing program

May 26, 2016 | By TONY FRANCOIS

Imagine your state limited the number of drivers licenses to less than those already issued, in order to reduce greenhouse emissions (which many argue raise global temperatures). And then, it sold the right to your license at auction to the highest bidder. How much would you be willing to bid just to keep your drivers license? Do you … ...

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California gasoline rationing begins January 1

December 15, 2014 | By TONY FRANCOIS

You read that correctly. Today, California motorists have the right to buy as much gasoline as they want, and fuel companies have the right to sell as much as they can supply, at prices agreeable to both. But in the New Year, California will limit sales of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas and propane for business and … ...

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CARB adopts amendments to AB 32's scoping plan

May 27, 2014 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

It was only a matter of time. On the heels of the Cap-and Trade Regulation, on May 22, 2014, the California Air Resources Board adopted a regulatory plan that is so severe and so inimical to the interests of the state that it almost defies description.  Officially refered to as the First Update of the AB 32 Scoping Plan, the new … ...

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PLF files amicus brief asking Supreme Court to hear Low Carbon Fuel Standard case

April 18, 2014 | By TONY FRANCOIS

Yesterday Pacific Legal Foundation filed an amicus brief asking the United States Supreme Court to review a Ninth Circuit decision which upholds a California fuel import restriction against a commerce clause challenge brought by several fuel producers and consumer groups.  We are pleased to be joined on the brief by our friends at Cato Institute, ...

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President’s weekly report — November 15, 2013

November 15, 2013 | By ROB RIVETT

Equality Under the Law Program — Disparate Impact We have mixed emotions about the settlement in Township of Mt. Holly v. Mt. Holly Gardens.  This is the case where homeowner challengers to a redevelopment plan brought a “disparate impact” claim against the redevelopment, claiming that it had a disproportionate adverse impact on ...

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Greenhouse gas rules up in the air

September 27, 2013 | By TONY FRANCOIS

Today is a big day for all things greenhouse gas, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releasing its Fifth Assessment Report.  Earlier this week, the similarly named (but differently purposed) Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change released its latest report, Climate Change Reconsidered II: Physical Science.  These tw ...

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California most anti-business state

May 03, 2012 | By DAMIEN SCHIFF

So says a recent survey of business leaders published in Chief Executive Magazine.  I don’t think that this should surprise anyone.  After all, a state with such property-infringing agencies as the California Coastal Commission and the California Air Resources Board is not going to be particularly hospitable to productive activity.  On the ...