Curb pollution through sensible regulations
We've made progress on environmental protection, but we can't let up now. Growing awareness has led to sensible limits on our useof natural resources and pollutants that are side-effects of industrial society -- sometimes by government and sometimes by businesses themselves, who understand that it's in no one's interest to commit environmental suicide. Yet it's unrealistic to expect people to make dramatic changes in their lifestyles or give up their jobs.What's needed now are more stringent guidelines on pollution,and stepped-up enforcement ofthe laws. Through prudent regulation,we can achieve a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.
What Should be Done?
Government must strengthen its enforcement of environmental regulations, and increase funding for environmental protection. To cut fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gases, the government should set higher fuel efficiency standards, particularly for sport utility vehicles. To reduce air pollution from power plants, government should take additional measures to encourage better energy use, such as requiring household appliances to use less energy. Increase fines and other penalties for environmental violations. Use pollution credits to reduce the overall amount ofpollution without dumping too much of the burden on any one community. Work with other countries to limit greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
Arguments For This Approach
A rich nation like ours can afford to have both continued economic growth and environmental protection. We just need enough inspectors to make sure that the businesses that provide the economic growth follow the rules. You fight pollution by going after polluters, not by blaming the average person and forcing them to change their lifestyle. Trying to cut air pollution by raising gasoline prices is like trying to improve airline safety by making it harder for people to buy plane tickets. Air and water quality has improved considerably over the last three decades, largely because of regulatory efforts. Where environmental progress has fallen short, it's been because regulations have been inadequate and unevenly enforced.
Arguments Against This Approach
This doesn't go nearly far enough.The only real environmental solution is to take far less from the planet and that means fundamental changes in people's attitudes and lifestyles. This approach overstates most environmental problems, which for the most part have been addressed adequately with environmental regulations that are already in place. Businesses should be enlisted aspartners in cleaning up the environment, not treated as suspects by a posse of government inspectors. We should be using incentives to encourage business to operate more cleanly,not punishing those who make mistakes. Environmental standards have to make some allowance for the cost to business and the potential for losing jobs. Forcing businesses to spend the time and money to comply with environmental rules is a drag on the economy.
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