Current issues in US environmental policy

Book · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:6236142

Portney, P R; Freeman, III, A M; Haveman, R H; Peskin, H M; Seskin, E P; Smith, V K

This book identifies and analyzes in a specific practical way important problems of US environmental policy. Each of the 5 chapters presents background material on a selected topic, identifies alternatives, and shows how economic reasoning can help to evaluate alternative policies. Topics covered are: air and water pollution policy; automobile pollution control, environmental policy and the distribution of benefits and costs; toxic substances and the protection of human health; and the effects of environmental policy on the economy as a whole. The relationship between benefits and costs is given particular attention in the evaluation of policy choice. A recurring theme is the comparison of current regulatory approaches to controlling pollution with the use of such economic incentives as effluent charges. The book is not primarily a report of research results from specific projects, although some original research results are presented. Rather, it is an attempt to interpret existing results and apply knowledge to contemporary policy problems. It is directed at legislators, other policy makers, students, and informed citizens.

• OSTI ID: 6236142
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
530200 -- Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies-- Assessment of Energy Technologies-- (-1989)
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
AUTOMOBILES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DECISION MAKING
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
EVALUATION
EXHAUST GASES
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GASEOUS WASTES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION CONTROL
REGULATIONS
TOXICITY
USA
VEHICLES
WASTES
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL