Supreme Court hits cities' antitrust exemption

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Public Power; (United States)

OSTI ID:6410330

Richardson, A H

The Supreme Court decision in City of Lafayette v. Louisiana Power and Light Co. will have an impact on how future municipal operations are conducted. The court held that Federal antitrust laws apply to political subdivisions within a state and damages can be charged for violations. The court decision was divided, leaving some questions of interpretation that may cause future difficulties in deciding exemptions of municipal immunity and failing to resolve the question of ultimate immunity. The effect of this ruling may be to deter the use of antitrust laws against illegal practices of private utilities, which will affect municipal financing and the costs of municipal liability insurance.

• OSTI ID: 6410330
• Journal Information: Public Power; (United States), Journal Name: Public Power; (United States) Vol. 36:5; ISSN PUPOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
296000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
ANTITRUST REVIEW
COMPETITION
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
FINANCING
LAWSUITS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LIABILITIES
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC UTILITIES