The Competitive Enterprise Institute Daily Update
Issues in the News
1. HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal regulators announce new plans for safeguarding chemical plants from terrorist attacks.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Director of Risk & Environmental Policy Angela Logomasini on the reaction to the new rules:
“Editorial writers in today’s Orlando Sentinel say they oppose Department of Homeland Security regulations that attempt to beef up security at the nation’s chemical plants to reduce the risks of terrorist attacks. They want Congress to legislate the issue. They complain because the administration focuses on managing chemical risks through improved security measures only. The Sentinel, like many activist groups, wants Homeland Security to pursue a green agenda that would force the elimination or drastic reduction of so-called ‘dangerous’ or ‘toxic’ chemicals. They also oppose Homeland Security’s attempt to preempt states from passing such silly regulations.”
2. TECHNOLOGY
Congress considers regulating online transactions in virtual communities like “Second Life”.
CEI Experts Available to Comment: Vice President for Policy Wayne Crews on the entrepreneurial spirit to be found in Second Life:
“Unlike many online game companies, Linden Labs, the creator of “Second Life,” for the most part lets entrepreneurial users keep what they earn from interacting and transacting with others. But in a twist that in itself serves as a laboratory for free-market economics, a real-world market has emerged for virtual earnings. Individuals have begun to buy and sell virtual currency. Earnings from the gaming world can be converted into U.S. dollars. Many hip companies–Adidas, Starwood Hotels, and Toyota among them–have set up shop within.”
3. BUSINESS
NASA signs an agreement with Virgin Galactic to collaborate on innovations for private space travel.
CEI Experts Available to Comment: General Counsel Sam Kazman on how deregulation has helped private space flight—and could do the same for other industries.
“When Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975, they shot for the stars and succeeded. More recently, Allen shot for the stars again. The two successful launches of his SpaceShipOne won the $10 million Ansari X competition for private manned space flights. This feat may ultimately do for private space ventures what Charles Lindbergh’s crossing the Atlantic did for commercial aviation.”