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State and Local Government Law

2021

William & Mary Law School

Environmental law

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Breaking Up With Dillion: A Practical Call For Virginia State & Local Government Law Reform, Karly Newcomb Feb 2021

Breaking Up With Dillion: A Practical Call For Virginia State & Local Government Law Reform, Karly Newcomb

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

States’ long-standing allegiance to the Dillon Rule stems from the theory that it prevents localities from passing unequal and corrupt laws. However, states with strict adherence to the Dillon Rule have stifled localities from addressing their own issues and priorities. Though the debates surrounding the Dillon Rule’s strengths and weaknesses have existed since its inception, the burdensome effects on a locality’s ability to serve and protect its citizens are constantly evolving. In particular, localities in Dillon Rule states have been unable to enact laws that directly address environmental issues, citing the Dillon Rule as their main obstacle.

Although lobbying Virginia …