Environmental Policy Notes

Unit 2

What is Environmental Policy? A formal set of plans or principles that

addresses problems and can be used as a guide for decision making in regards to our treatment of the environment

What does it do?• Regulates use• Reduces pollution• Promotes human welfare• Protects our resources

What goes into forming environmental policy?

Science Ethics Economics Citizens Organizations Private sector Government

Good Environmental Policy: Prevents the “tragedy of the

commons”-overuse and degradation of our resources

Prevents market failure Prevents “free riders” Eliminates external costs

Development of U.S. Environmental Policy

Occurred in three waves First wave was unregulated use –use

for self interest from 1780s to 1800s Second wave- protected our pristine

lands 1872 -Yellowstone Third wave- brought on by Rachel

Carson’s Silent Spring 1962-clean up polluted air and lands

Modern Era of Environmental Policy

Began in the 1970s with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)• Required and EIS or Environmental Impact

Statement for all federally funded projects and actions that might impact the environment

And Formation of the EPA Environmental Protection Agency Formed by executive order of President

Nixon This is the governing agency that

• Conducts and evaluates research• Monitors environmental quality • Sets and enforces standards for pollution levels• Assists states in meeting standards and goals• Educates the public

Why do our views towards the environment change?

From a Global viewpoint• United Nations-Sponsors conferences, coordinates

treaties, publishes research• UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

promotes sustainability– Research, outreach activities– Provides information to policymakers and scientists

• Also have the World Bank, European Union, and World Trade Organization

NGO’s Nongovernmental organizations

(NGOs): entities that influence international policy

Some do not get politically involved• Example: The Nature Conservancy

Others try to shape policy through research, education, lobbying, or protest• Example: Conservation International, the World

Wide Fund for Nature, Greenpeace, Population Connection

Steps to Policy Making

Three Major Types of Policy Approaches

Lawsuits Command and Control Economic Policy tools

Economic Policy Tools Green Taxes (ex: Carbon Taxes) Subsidies (government cash

giveaway) Permit Trading (Cap and Trade-lets

polluters emit some pollution, sell permits, gives companies economic incentive to lower emissions)

Ecolabeling (ex: Dolfin Safe Tuna)

Wrap Up: 1. What is Environmental Policy? 2. What is the most common

approach to environmental policy?

Remember- this is a problem solving tool towards supporting our economy and protecting our resources