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The Impact Of State Immigration Policy On Immigrant Communities: Political Engagement And Child Well-Being, Vickie D. Ybarra Jun 2015

The Impact Of State Immigration Policy On Immigrant Communities: Political Engagement And Child Well-Being, Vickie D. Ybarra

Political Science ETDs

This dissertation is set in the context of a 21st-century America undergoing rapid immigration-driven demographic change accompanied by highly polarized debates about immigrants and immigration policy. With this research I seek to answer questions related to the impact of contemporary immigration policymaking in the U.S. states on the political participation of adults and the well-being of children from immigrant communities nationally. I focus on the impacts of state immigration policy enacted during the decade 2003-2012 among legal immigrants, naturalized immigrants, and U.S.-born children of immigrants from among the four largest U.S. racial/ethnic groups. I place this research in the theoretical …


Increasing The Supply Of Affordable Housing: Expanding Affordable Housing Policy In Albuquerque, Nm., Erin Callahan Jul 2014

Increasing The Supply Of Affordable Housing: Expanding Affordable Housing Policy In Albuquerque, Nm., Erin Callahan

Architecture and Planning ETDs

Providing affordable housing in the United States involves coordination between the federal, state, and local levels of government. Local jurisdictions must ensure that all requirements are met in order to receive funding. In Albuquerque, NM, this includes the production of a Consolidated Plan to satisfy federal requirements, and an Affordable Housing Plan to satisfy state requirements. However, even when the requirements are satisfied, the amount of funding available is never enough to create enough housing to meet the needs of the population. The objective of this study is to show how the supply of affordable housing in Albuquerque can be …


The Social Transformation Of Health Inequities: Understanding The Discourse On Health Disparities In The United States, Sonia Bettez Jul 2013

The Social Transformation Of Health Inequities: Understanding The Discourse On Health Disparities In The United States, Sonia Bettez

Sociology ETDs

Discourse in the United States characterized health disparities' as the disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality suffered by racial, ethnic and other disadvantaged populations. This dissertation contributes a theory of social construction that transformed health inequalities and inequities into 'health disparities,' a hegemonic (dominant) concept that prevented structural analysis of root causes and effective solutions. Consequently health disparities remain. My study focuses on the discourse during the latter part of President Clinton's administration (1999-2001), when eliminating 'health disparities' became a major objective. Anchored by hegemony and racial formation theories, and using critical discourse analysis as the principal research method, I …


A Rural Tobacco Smoke Pollution Study, Kelly Buettner-Schmidt Jul 2013

A Rural Tobacco Smoke Pollution Study, Kelly Buettner-Schmidt

Nursing ETDs

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the location of hospitality venues considering; rurality, presence of local ordinances, and socioeconomic status, influenced the quantity of tobacco smoke pollution in a predominantly rural state. The study built on current scientific literature in four aspects. First, it was the first U.S. statewide study on tobacco smoke pollution levels in hospitality venues. Second, it quantified indoor tobacco smoke pollution specifically in rural areas. Third, it used random sampling, a method rarely used in studying indoor tobacco smoke pollution. Fourth, it analyzed tobacco smoke exposure as a function of socioeconomic status. A …


Corporate-Friendly Fisheries Bill Sparks Protests In Chile, Divides Opposition, Benjamin Witte-Lebhar Dec 2012

Corporate-Friendly Fisheries Bill Sparks Protests In Chile, Divides Opposition, Benjamin Witte-Lebhar

NotiEn: An Analytical Digest About Energy Issues in Latin America

This article discusses the controversy surrounding the Ley de Pesca in Chile, whose purpose is to create a new regulatory framework for commercial fishing, making it more environmentally sustainable. While some critics of the legislation state that it unfairly favors corporate fisheries, others express concern over the fact that Chilean waters are already overfished.


Analysis Of Rdl 13 2012 And The Energy Situation, Fundación Renovables Oct 2012

Analysis Of Rdl 13 2012 And The Energy Situation, Fundación Renovables

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This document analyzes the effects of the moratorium on renewable energy incentives passed in Spain in January 2012. It draws the following conclusions: 1) Adjustments to the electric grid should neither be placed on consumers nor on energy efficiency & savings policies; 2) Although it is recognized that the power system is unsustainable, not enough is being done to reform it; and 3) Renewable energy is not the source of the tariff deficit; rather, despite the cuts made to renewable energy, energy costs continue to rise even as demand falls.


Bill To Protect Sierra Caral Remains Stalled In Congress, Louisa Reynolds Oct 2012

Bill To Protect Sierra Caral Remains Stalled In Congress, Louisa Reynolds

NotiEn: An Analytical Digest About Energy Issues in Latin America

This article discusses the conservation efforts to protect Sierra Caral, the most biodiverse forest remnant in Guatemala, from severe deforestation. This is occurring largely due to the forced displacement of campesinos by narco-ranchers in the Motagua Valley. In addition, the article provides the bill's aspects and an in-depth look at what the Sierra Caral conservationists are proposing in their efforts to be sensitive to the displaced residents.


Will Cuba's Electricity Sector Hold The Country Back?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Sep 2012

Will Cuba's Electricity Sector Hold The Country Back?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

A massive power outage hit two-thirds of Cuba's provinces earlier this month, a sign of the country's aging infrastructure. According to analysts, modernizing the system could cost several billion dollars. Meanwhile, two recent attempts at exploratory drilling off the Cuban coast have been unsuccessful. Will the electricity sector hold the country back as the government takes steps to liberalize the economy and increase consumption? How serious are Cuba's energy woes? Is the government partly at fault for mismanaging the sector, as some critics allege, or are sanctions entirely to blame?


Venezuela's Full Membership Changes Face Of Mercosur, Andrés Gaudin Sep 2012

Venezuela's Full Membership Changes Face Of Mercosur, Andrés Gaudin

NotiEn: An Analytical Digest About Energy Issues in Latin America

This article discusses the issues surrounding Venezuela's admittance as a full member of MERCOSUR. One of the primary results of this membership is the increased collaboration between member countries regarding oil and gas exploitation, as well as discounted prices of crude.


Is Peru Making Inroads In Oil & Gas Development?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Sep 2012

Is Peru Making Inroads In Oil & Gas Development?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

One of the Humala administration's priorities when coming into office was to accelerate oil and gas development. Peru has seen both successes, such as a large gas find in the Amazon earlier this month, and conflict, including attempts this month by indigenous groups to stop production at nine oil wells operated by Maple Energy. How successful have the country's efforts to develop the oil and gas sector been? What policies, models or strategies should the government consider implementing? Is the administration likely to make inroads with local communities that stand in opposition to such projects and will new consultation laws …


Will Opposition To Mega Projects Worsen Chile's Energy Woes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Sep 2012

Will Opposition To Mega Projects Worsen Chile's Energy Woes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Chile's Supreme Court last month unanimously rejected the $5 billion Castilla power project, ruling that the 2,100-megawatt plant could ""harm the constitutional guarantee that one can live in an environment free of pollution."" Meanwhile, industry leaders, particularly in the mining sector, have warned that the country's shaky electrical grid is hampering growth and investment. Does the rejection of the Castilla plant represent a major blow to Chile's energy future? How serious are the country's energy woes? Will solar, wind and other cleaner energy sources become more prevalent and help make up some of the shortfall or are they too economically …


How Bright Is Solar Energy's Future In Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Aug 2012

How Bright Is Solar Energy's Future In Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

A ban on state subsidies for non-domestic solar panel parts is thwarting solar-energy projects in Brazil, Bloomberg News reported Aug. 8. While developers in Chile have announced plans for more than 1,000 megawatts of solar panels this year, that figure is just 67.5 megawatts for Brazil. In the face of cheaper wind power, new shale gas developments and the enormous potential of pre-salt discoveries, what is the short- to medium-term future of solar energy in Brazil? What more should the government do to promote the sector?


Will Venezuela's Petro-Diplomacy Survive?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Aug 2012

Will Venezuela's Petro-Diplomacy Survive?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Henrique Capriles, the Venezuelan opposition leader running for president against Hugo Chávez, said on Aug. 1 that he would scrap preferential oil deals with foreign allies including Argentina, Cuba and others, Reuters reported. Capriles said the country would save $6.7 billion annually under his plan, money that he would use for domestic social spending. Meanwhile, state-run oil company PDVSA reportedly will need to set aside between $4 billion and $7 billion annually for the next five years to make payments on its heavy debt burden, analysts have forecast. Has Venezuela's petro-diplomacy run the end of its course? Which countries would …


Ecuadoran Government Will Modify Laws To Favor Mining, Luis Ángel Saavedra Aug 2012

Ecuadoran Government Will Modify Laws To Favor Mining, Luis Ángel Saavedra

NotiEn: An Analytical Digest About Energy Issues in Latin America

It has become customary for large transnational mining companies to pressure governments to modify national legislation to suit company interests. However, this was not expected to happen in Ecuador since its Constitution specifically protects the rights of nature and is very clear on the control the state must have of extractive activities as well as on the state's share of earnings from this industry. This is to the dismay of environmental and human rights organizations, who view the policy reforms as unconstitutional.


Is The Argentine Gov't Helping Or Hindering Energy Growth?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Aug 2012

Is The Argentine Gov't Helping Or Hindering Energy Growth?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

The Argentine government on July 27 announced a new energy investment plan that will increase government oversight of the sector, Reuters reported. Deputy Economy Minister Axel Kicillof will oversee a commission that evaluates the investment plans of private companies and will have the power to ask for changes or fine companies for failing to comply. What will be the practical implications of the decree? Will it spur growth in the long-struggling energy sector, as the government hopes, or scare off investors? Is Argentina's energy sector poised to do well considering the country's current economic situation?


What Accounts For The Erosion Of Interest In Brazil's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jul 2012

What Accounts For The Erosion Of Interest In Brazil's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

U.S.-based oil company Anadarko has put its plans to sell some of its assets in Brazil on hold, failing to attract a high enough price as interest in the country's oil sector has waned, the Financial Times reported in July. Brazil has not sold new offshore permits for about five years, and state oil company Petrobras has had difficulty in meeting targets for increased production. High local content requirements and perceived political interference have also hampered investment and production, according to government critics. How much has the previously intense excitement about Brazil's oil sector cooled? What are the primary factors …


As Haiti Gears Up To Boost Declining Agricultural Sector, International Cooperation Supports Efforts, George Rodríguez Jul 2012

As Haiti Gears Up To Boost Declining Agricultural Sector, International Cooperation Supports Efforts, George Rodríguez

NotiEn: An Analytical Digest About Energy Issues in Latin America

Agriculture provides a livelihood for more than 1 million of Haiti's 9.7 million people and is the source of some 50% of jobs nationwide, yet its productivity is among the lowest in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with other international entities, are providing Haiti with funding not only for agricultural projects, but also for projects that involve modernizing the country's educational and health systems, as well as the energy sector and its infrastructure.


Where Is The Future Of Hydro Projects In Latin America Headed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2012

Where Is The Future Of Hydro Projects In Latin America Headed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Colbún, the Chilean power company holding a 49 percent stake in the controversial HidroAysén project, announced last month that it is ""indefinitely suspending"" the environmental impact assessment for the project's transmission line. It is one of many regional projects that have faced local and environmental opposition, but have also been cited as necessary to meet growing energy needs. Are mega hydropower projects like this doomed in Chile and elsewhere in Latin America? What energy sources will fill in the void if such projects don\'t come to fruition? How are anticipated consequences of climate change, such as drought, going to change …


Is Latin America's Energy Sector Looking Up Or Down?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2012

Is Latin America's Energy Sector Looking Up Or Down?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Given the potential of significant oil reserves in Brazil and Venezuela, large shale gas discoveries, plummeting wind energy prices and other developments, some analysts are highly optimistic about the general energy outlook in Latin America. Others cite opposition to hydro projects, vulnerabilities in energy-poor parts of the region, stagnation of oil production, unproved ultra-deep-water technologies and other hurdles as cause for major concern about the region's energy future. Are reasons for optimism weak? Or are pessimists underestimating the region's potential? What are the major trends in regional energy issues that we can expect in the period ahead, and how can …


Will Peña Nieto Be Able To Win Support For Energy Reform?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2012

Will Peña Nieto Be Able To Win Support For Energy Reform?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Mexican President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto has said that reforming the state-run energy sector will be his ""signature issue"" and that he aims to refashion Pemex in the image of Brazil's Petrobras, Bloomberg News reported. However, the Institutional Revolutionary Party fell short of an outright majority in the country's Congress and energy reform has proven to be elusive in the past. Will Peña Nieto be successful in his bid to reform Pemex? What changes will he try to implement and what challenges is he likely to face in getting them passed?


What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2012

What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Mexico's Congress in April passed a landmark climate change law after three years of debate and revisions, Reuters reported. The bill's mandates require that 35 percent of Mexico's energy come from renewable sources by 2024 and carbon emissions must be 50 percent below 2000 levels by 2050, among other requirements. What will be the effects of Mexico's new climate law? Will the energy sector be able to meet the increased demand for renewable power? How do other Latin American countries' future energy plans compare with Mexico, and are they likely to adopt similar legislation? Does the law's passage reflect pessimism …


How Are Global Biofuels Trends Changing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor May 2012

How Are Global Biofuels Trends Changing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

At the end of 2011, the United States overtook Brazil as the world's top ethanol exporter— though U.S. imports from Brazil have been growing as a result of domestic regulation in the United States. Countries like Thailand have also increased their ethanol exports to traditional Brazilian markets, such as China, as the South American nation struggles to meet domestic demand. What trends in the global biofuel market, including advanced biofuels and bio-based products, will be seen in the medium- to longterm future? How are Brazil's biofuels production trends and government policies for the sector changing, if at all? What accounts …


Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part Two), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya May 2012

Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part Two), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Part two of two, this article compares the costs of fossil fuels/contaminating energy sources to those of renewable energy, arguing that Uruguay must shift energy production and consumption towards renewable sources.


What Is Behind Bolivia's Latest Energy Sector Nationalization?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor May 2012

What Is Behind Bolivia's Latest Energy Sector Nationalization?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Bolivian President Evo Morales on May 1 seized the local unit of Spain's Red Eléctrica, the owner of approximately 85 percent of the South American country's power grid. Morales alleged that only $81 million had been invested in the country's power grid since it was privatized in 1997, while Spain's ambassador to Bolivia, Ramon Santos, said the takeover sends ""a negative message that generates distrust,"" the Associated Press reported. Will the state be able to effectively take control of the electrical grid? Is the nationalization a good thing for the Bolivian power sector and will it lead to increased investment? …


El Salvador's Government Sends General Water Law Into Legislative Pipeline, Benjamin Witte-Lebhar May 2012

El Salvador's Government Sends General Water Law Into Legislative Pipeline, Benjamin Witte-Lebhar

NotiEn: An Analytical Digest About Energy Issues in Latin America

For the million or so residents of greater San Salvador whose faucets run dry on a regular basis, the message they received in late April from the Administración de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (ANDA) was a familiar one: "It's going to be a while." Because of technical problems, the pumping station that supplies those homes is only operating at about half capacity right now, according to ANDA, El Salvador's state water regulator. Las Parvas, as the plant is called, draws water from the Río Lempa, El Salvador's largest river, and supplies between 45% and 60% of greater San Salvador's drinking water. …


Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part One), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya May 2012

Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part One), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Part one of two, this article takes a look at energy costs in Uruguay in recent years. It makes the case that spending should be shifted from fossil fuels/contaminating energy sources to renewable ones, which the authors state is actually less costly.


Law To Promote Renewable Energy In Argentina, Evwind May 2012

Law To Promote Renewable Energy In Argentina, Evwind

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article briefly describes a policy introduced in May 2012 proposing the creation of a national institute focusing on renewable energy development in Argentina.


Wind In Mexico: Wind Sector To Require 20,000 Windmills, Evwind May 2012

Wind In Mexico: Wind Sector To Require 20,000 Windmills, Evwind

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article discusses the potential and needs that Mexico has for continuing to develop a strong wind sector. It is projected that by 2020, Mexico will generate 12,000 MW of power.


What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Apr 2012

What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Mexico's Congress in April passed a landmark climate change law after three years of debate and revisions, Reuters reported. The bill's mandates require that 35 percent of Mexico's energy come from renewable sources by 2024 and carbon emissions must be 50 percent below 2000 levels by 2050, among other requirements. What will be the effects of Mexico's new climate law? Will the energy sector be able to meet the increased demand for renewable power? How do other Latin American countries' future energy plans compare with Mexico, and are they likely to adopt similar legislation? Does the law's passage reflect pessimism …


Peru: New Books Presented On Energy, Hydroelectric Projects, And Social Conflicts, Diego Lerma Apr 2012

Peru: New Books Presented On Energy, Hydroelectric Projects, And Social Conflicts, Diego Lerma

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article discusses the release of two new books that emphasize the importance of a national program dedicated to energy efficiency policy against climate change. The first book discusses energy policy in Peru while the second focuses on hydroelectric projects and their role in causing social conflicts in absence of a framework for energy governance.