Property
If Trump wants a wall, eminent domain is the final frontier
The government’s ability to exert eminent domain powers has literally paved the way for much of America’s fundamental infrastructure. Pipelines, highways, railroads, high-voltage transmission lines — all of these projects tend to require long paths across the landscape. Farms and even suburban neighborhoods can be caught in the middle.
WA Rejects Property Rights Ballot Question
Nineteen states already have laws ensuring property owners payment for land value lost to government regulations. Advocates in Washington state tried to raise the number to 20, but their election day efforts failed to pass the strictest compensation law in the country. Terry FitzPatrick of Living on Earth’s Northwest bureau files this follow up report.
Added Property Value: Government Takings vs Givings
When government takes private property, it is required to compensate land owners. Some lawmakers say the government should also pay land owners when regulations reduce property values by restricting development. But one land use attorney says that means the government, and taxpayers, are paying twice. Host Steve Curwood talks with Edward Thompson, who says the […]
The Case for Private Property Rights
There is a case before the Supreme Court that could turn the Endangered Species Act upside down. At issue is the definition of the word “harm” and whether or not protection from harm extends to an animal’s habitat. Habitat protection has been the basis for some of the most controversial endangered species regulations in the […]