A new super PAC has a different plan to take big money out of elections: Get candidates to sign a 'no dark money' pledge that would discourage money from anonymous sources.
Continue readingInfluence Analytics : Greenhouse gases, part II
A look at Sunlight's influence trackers shows that, on the controversial issue of global warming, the courts and the agencies are not the only place where the action is.
Continue reading2014 races we’re watching
Using our trackers Sunlight makes it easy to track the advertisements, money and fundraisers in 2014's most pivotal races. Follow the money to see who is influencing your vote — and how much they're paying.
Continue readingCongress Needs to Respond to MMS Failures
Just as the Administration needs to incorporate transparency into their response to the failures of the Minerals Management Service, Congress... View Article
Continue readingEnviros vs. Mining Companies
The Hill reports today on the fight to reform the mining laws. The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act, sponsored by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), has conservation groups facing off with mine corporations. The House is set to vote on the bill today. What's at stake is whether the federal government will impose royalties on mining operations that dig for copper, gold, silver and other hard-rock minerals on federal land. Unlike coal mining and oil and gas developers who all pay royalties for using federal land and resources, hard-rock mining operations have never paid the government a dime. The current law is grossly outdated, does nothing to protect the land from despoilment, and is a huge rip off of the government and the taxpayer.
For 135 years, the mining industry has been allowed to walk away with gold, silver and other precious metals from federal lands without paying any compensation to federal taxpayers. Here's a handy "School House Rock" -style video that helps explains it all.
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