One interesting pilot scheme being tried out in Minnesota allows farmers who reduce fertiliser run-off and soil erosion to enjoy an exemption from future state and federal water-quality standards.

ECONOMIST: Nutrient pollution

There are state and federal standards now and the Federal Election Commission must approve voting machine vendors.

CNN: Voting methods under close watch

Working through grantees, it has had significant impact on promoting adoption of state and federal vehicle efficiency standards, more stringent residential and commercial building codes to reduce energy consumption, and development of renewable energy technology.

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