The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "deregulation" ...
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Power Brokers
The story investigates what lead to the passage of the disastrous electricity deregulation law in Montana.
Tags: Montana Public Service Commission; deregulation; clean coal; records
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Disaster Ahead? Deregulated Dams
A Tennessee law allows old watershed dams to be downgraded to farm ponds from high-hazard dams, exempting them from state safety inspections. The reporter discovered 13 of these dams were downgraded in 2008. The lack of oversight poses serious consequences because fatalities are likely to occur should one of the dams fail.
Tags: dams; farm pond; regulation; inspection; safety; public safety
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Power Failure
Energy deregulation in the state of Texas is the subject as the Daily News reports the $40 billion yearly sales and consumer unhappiness with rates that continue to rise. "Most have seen their electricity rates increase between 67 and 114 percent since the retail market was deregulated five years ago." The investigation finds not only that supply and demand may does no apply to electricity, but also that "some power companies have appeared to engage in anticompetitive behavior and even outright manipulation." And the state's utility commission has done little to remedy the situation.
Tags: Energy; electricity; energy deregulation; energy rates; rising energy costs
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The Price of Power
Investigating the effects of Texas' five-year transition to full energy deregulation, KDFW-TV finds that the original assertion that more competition will reduce rates and increase choices, may have been incorrect. In this 27-part series, KDFW found that electricity prices in Texas were twice as high as the national average, they remained high even as fuel costs fell and those who supported and created deregulation profited greatly from the situation. The Federal Courts have not intervened, nor does the State Regulator have the power to step in.
Tags: Energy; energy deregulation; Governor George W. Bush; energy costs; power; fuel prices; power crisis
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"Whistle stop: Did Northwest Airlines try to muzzle a whistleblower?"
This story investigates the circumstances in which an airline mechanic was fired after reporting a series of safety violations to the FAA. By detailing the mechanic's plight through arbitration testimony, Department of Labor documents, GAO files and other public records, the story shows how industry lobbying and a relaxation of federal oversight have resulted in the "virtual elimination" of whistleblower protections for airline workers.
Tags: airlines; FAA; deregulation; union; transportation
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Consumers in the dark
In this report, the Plain Dealer details how a prominent consumers' counsel deprived the publics of millions of dollars by destroying a crucial consultant's report. From the questionnaire, "Tongren kept an important consultant's report --paid for with dollars -- from the public that might have trimmed billions of dollars off FirstEnergy Corp.'s deregulation charges -- charges that are still being tracked onto electric bills years later". Furthermore, the report revealed, "Tongren had changed a records retention policy that allowed the report to be destroyed years ahead of the old schedule, and that he knowingly cleared the policy change despite numerous requests for the report while it was still protected due to ongoing litigation".
Tags: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio; LaCapra Associates; Kim Norris
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Power Trip- The Coming Darkness of Electricity Deregulation
This in-depth story talks about the ramifications of deregulation of the energy sector on a pristine natural environment. The report is set in the sylvan surroundings of Tucson, TX which is being made a potential host to high voltage cables suspended from 120-feet steel towers. Showing scant respect for this picturesque touristy ecosystem, the polity and businessmen are all out to ruin the settings with their lust for money, power and politics, says the author.
Tags: Energy; deregulatioh; Tucson; Texas; Electricity; Environment
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Charged Up: Texas may face a glut of electricity, but that won't aid rest of U.S. Pride and policy make state a magnet for power plants and an island unto itself. A wire enshrined in Lucite.
According to the article, "Texas' wide-open spaces and relatively weak zoning and environmental rules have helped make the Lone Star state a magnet for power-generation companies as it prepares to deregulate its electricity market next year. The result: Texas' electricity-production capacity this summer is expected to exceed its peak power demand by 11,000 megawatts--nearly enough to light up New York City."
Tags: Texas; electricity; power; generators; lone star state; power demand and power supply; megawatts; electric; lights; zoning; environment
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Making White Elephants Fly
The American Prospect reports that "aging nuclear power plants are going on the auction block -- with yet another big dose of consumer subsidy." The story sheds light on the privatization of nuclear plants at "clearance prices" in the era of energy deregulation. Enormous capital costs have made nuclear power expensive and uncompetitive.
Tags: competition; public utilities; environment; radioactive waste; pollution; safety
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Reaching for the phone
Governing reports that "the era of local telephone competition is finally here. It brings together eager new players, wary customers and state regulators who have to act as referees."
Tags: GTE; Whidbey Island Telephone; deregulation; technology; legislature; public utilities