The Competitive Enterprise Institute Daily Update

Issues in the News

1. HURRICANES

Oil and gas facilities in the Gulf Coast are threatened by the approach of Hurricane Rita.

CEI Expert Available to Comment: Director of Global Warming Policy Myron Ebell on the weaknesses in the nation’s energy infrastructure revealed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

2. LEGAL & CONSTITUTIONAL

Bipartisan support for eminent domain reform emerges in Congress.

 CEI Expert Available for Comment: Special Projects Counsel Hans Bader and Adjunct Scholar R.J. Smith on the devastating property rights verdict in the recent Supreme Court case of Kelo v. New London.

3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

U.S. authors sue Google over the company’s plan to scan and index the collections of major print libraries.

 CEI Expert Available for Comment: Adjunct Analyst James Plummer on ways Internet–based companies and content producers can work together to manage the future of intellectual property.

4. LEGAL & CONSTITUTIONAL

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announces his intention to oppose the confirmation of Judge John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States.

CEI Expert Available to Comment: Special Projects Counsel Hans Bader on the balance of serious debate and political grandstanding in judicial confirmation hearings.