Local Self-Reliance

strong> The Institute for Local Self-Reliance works to help urban residents gain greater control ever their lives through the use of low-technology, decentralist tools and concepts. Because we believe that city dwellers and country folks alike can profit from the institute's admirable efforts, we've made this "what's happening where" report by the ILSR staffers one of MOTHER's regular features. If you would like to know more, you can have a free catalog of ILSR's selection of books and pamphlets by ending the institute a self-addressed, stamped envelope . . . or become an associate member or a tax-deductible $35 per year ($50 for intitutions) and receive both a periodic report on the institute's work and a 20% discount on all the group's publications. Write to ILSR, Dept. TMEN, 1717 18th Street N.W., Washngton, D.C. 20009.

Ironically, the same administration that claims to support local self-reliance—and he delegation of authority from federal to state and community levels—is actually centralizing authority and preventing local self-reliance when it comes to such issues as nuclear energy.

Recently, New York City enacted legislation that prohibited the transport of nuclear materials within the city limits. Concerned over the possibly disastrous effects of—and he potential for—accidents involving vehicles carrying such substances on local thoroughfares, the city council believed that it was exercising a clear right.

But the federal government disagreed . . . and so the United States Department of Transportation sued the city, arguing that nuclear power is a national issue, and therefore the federal government alone has authority to regulate operations (including the transport of materials). Fortunately, the courts decided otherwise . . . and upheld the Big Apple's legislation.

Recent battles over the issue of nuclear waste storage serve as yet further examples of the current administration's "forked tongue" when it comes to conflicts between local selfdetermination and nuclear power.