Mastodawn

We're off to the races so far in 2026, tracking 57 bills in 22 states 😅

Kansas recently passed a bill 122-2 in the House, while Florida passed on 39-0 in the Senate. Turns out that fixing stuff is still a good idea. https://pirg.org/articles/states-press-ahead-on-right-to-repair/

States press ahead on Right to Repair

From Maine to Hawaii, Florida to Kansas, Right to Repair continues to move ahead in the states

PIRG

Nathan Proctor Jan 30, 2025

iFixit Jan 30, 2025

The #RightToRepair movement is constantly evolving.

Here are some highlights from the State of Right to Repair report from @nproctor at PIRG. 🧵

A summary and the full report here: https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/the-state-of-right-to-repair/

Nathan Proctor Jan 16, 2025

iFixit Jan 16, 2025

Good news - the FTC is suing John Deere over its repair monopoly!

“We shouldn’t tolerate companies blocking repair. When you buy something, you should be able to do whatever you want with it. The FTC’s enforcement action will help farmers, and everyone else who believes people should be able to fix their stuff.”
- @nproctor

Full article: https://www.404media.co/ftc-sues-john-deere-over-its-repair-monopoly/

FTC Sues John Deere Over Its Repair Monopoly

Deere "has illegally restricted the ability of farmers and independent technicians to repair Deere equipment, including tractors and combines."

404 Media

Nathan Proctor Nov 14, 2024

This was a really fun podcast to record, and a good reminder why Right to Repair gets support from both sides of the aisle. check it out! https://www.texaspolicy.com/multimedia/article/rebel-tech-podcast-episode-12-right-to-repair-with-nathan-proctor

Nathan Proctor Aug 9, 2024

Prof. Sam Lawler Aug 8, 2024

Excellent new report by the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG): WasteX: Environmental harms of satellite internet mega-constellations https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/wastex-environmental-harms-of-satellite-internet-mega-constellations/

The report has great info on why 10s of thousands of throwaway satellites are terrible, and 2 powerful recommendations:

1. Pause launches until environmental reviews are done
2. Stop the categorical exclusion of satellites from environmental review

WasteX: Environmental harms of satellite internet mega-constellations

Fueled by satellite internet companies, the number of satellites in orbit is skyrocketing. The environmental risks may be massive.

U.S. PIRG Education Fund

Nathan Proctor Jan 11, 2024

Big news in #RightToRepair land today: Google has come out in favor of our bill in Oregon. This is significant for a few reasons ...
1) Google is huge, so what they do matters
2) Google isn't just posting this to a web page ... they are actively whipping support
3) This bill in Oregon is really strong! It bans part-pairing, one of our priorities. https://www.404media.co/google-formally-endorses-right-to-repair-will-lobby-to-pass-strong-repair-laws/

Google Formally Endorses Right to Repair, Will Lobby to Pass Repair Laws

Google says repair should be easy and "parts pairing" should be illegal.

404 Media

Nathan Proctor Nov 27, 2023

Buying used instead of new electronics is more than just a little bit better for the environment (plus cheaper and often with a better warranty). It's also a little act of rebellion against the companies pushing new stuff on us all the time https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/11/24/black-friday-shopping-guide-electronics/

Four rules for no-regrets Black Friday shopping

It’s tempting to buy garbage that you’ll soon hate. Instead, follow these four golden rules to feel good about the stuff you buy (or don’t buy).

The Washington Post

Nathan Proctor Nov 13, 2023

Right to Repair is just getting started.

The world we live in doesn't make a lot of sense. Things that should last, are make to break, while manufacturers frustrate repair. The incentives are all wrong. We can help create something better, and we're actually starting to succeed. Join us!

https://www.theverge.com/23951200/right-to-repair-law-apple-ifixit-iphone

The right-to-repair movement is just getting started

The right-to-repair movement has logged some serious wins, but new software locks and other obstacles from Apple could stymie efforts to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions.

The Verge

Nathan Proctor Nov 8, 2023

In case you like Sci-Fi - I just finished Upgrade by Blake Crouch, and totally enjoyed it. Smart, engaging, dark but layered with hope.

Show thread

Nathan Proctor Nov 8, 2023

what kind of world do we WANT and what kind of world do we HAVE? Around some issues, the public is split (many vital issues!). But there are a lot of ways in which we just deserve better -- often around who controls our economy and how it works. How would it change our debate, discussion and resolution of controversial, vital issues if we resolves the places where the public agrees?