Ensure Fair Returns

The federal government must ensure that taxpayers receive a fair return for any use of publicly-owned assets. For example, taxpayers own vast amounts of land rich in natural resources, such as coal, oil, and even exposure to solar radiation. The government should not give these public resources away. ...More

The failure to capture fair market value for public assets is a waste of federal resources. Congress and the administration should establish rents, royalties, and fees to ensure that taxpayers receive a fair return for any private development of public land. Competitive bidding, prompt development requirements, and robust verification procedures can also help establish fair returns to the public.

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All the latest content from TCS in Ensure Fair Returns
Letters & Testimony

Congress: Only Fund Emergency Needs in Sandy Supplemental

January 11, 2013

Congress: Only Fund Emergency Needs in Sandy Supplemental   January 11, 2012 Dear Representative, As you know, the House of... Read More

Our Take

Government Report: Taxpayers Losing Billions in Unaccounted Minerals Extracted from Federal Lands

December 20, 2012

The federal government does not know the value of hardrock minerals being extracted from public lands, a new report by the Government... Read More

Our Take

House Science Subcommittee Debates Oil Shale Subsidies

December 12, 2012

The House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing November 30th to discuss the development of... Read More

Our Take

DOD Acquisition Reforms: Spending Money is Hard!

November 13, 2012

“It turns out acquisition reform is hard,” said Undersecretary of Defense Frank Kendall at yesterday’s rollout of the Defense Department’s... Read More

Statements

Statement by Ryan Alexander, President of TCS on Common Sense Limit to Taxpayer Subsidies for Crop Insurance

June 13, 2012

The following is a statement by Ryan Alexander, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense at a press conference concerning SA 2201, an... Read More

Letters & Testimony

Coalition Letter Urges Congress to Reject Linking Drilling Revenues to the Highway Trust Fund, Preserve User-Pays

February 13, 2012

Taxpayers for Common Sense, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Reason Foundation, National Taxpayers Union, and Natural Resources Defense... Read More

More in-depth material from TCS in Ensure Fair Returns
Fact Sheets

Taxpayer Risks with the Loan Guarantee Program

April 07, 2011 > Updated: August 28, 2012

Taxpayer Risks with the Loan Guarantee Program The Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee program carries extremely high taxpayer risk, potentially jeopardizing billions of taxpayer dollars if energy project loans default.... Read More

Fact Sheets

Oil Shale: Failing Taxpayers for Decades

December 19, 2012

Since the early 20th century, the federal government and private industry have attempted to commercialize oil shale but after years of... Read More

Reports & Data

Subsidizing Oil Shale: Tracing Federal Support for Oil Shale Development in the United States

November 29, 2012

Subsidizing Oil Shale: Tracing Federal Support for Oil Shale Development in the United States With fiscal cliff looming, TCS calls for end to government handouts for failed oil shale experiments.... Read More

101

Green Scissors Campaign 101

October 02, 2012

Green Scissors Campaign 101 A basic primer on the Green Scissors campaign and answers general questions about the history and goals of the coalition.... Read More

TCS appearances in the media in Ensure Fair Returns

Iowa representatives renew support for congressional salary limits

January 29, 2013 | The Iowa Gazette

Two longtime Iowa congressmen from opposing political parties are stepping out to support an old idea with new life — restrictions on... Read More

Group Says Western Bypass Not Worth the Cost

January 24, 2013 | NewsPlex

The Route 29 Western Bypass is not worth taxpayers’ money. That was the message from a group of the road’s opponents A group gathered at... Read More

Opponents of Route 29 Western Bypass Speak Out

January 24, 2013 | NBC29

NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather The proposed Route 29 Western Bypass has been a heated topic of debate for many... Read More

US coal export trade raises alarms for Western states

December 20, 2012 | Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Western states that rely on receipts from coal sales to help fund their governments are concerned the mining industry... Read More

Weekly Wastebasket

Our weekly reality-check for federal spending. View All

January 25, 2013

Waking Up on Transportation

With Groundhog Day fast approaching, you’ll forgive us for relating to Phil Connors in the movie of the same... Read More