I find it interesting to how we as America have gotten to the point environmentally where we are. Also, in this discussion we witness the effect and influence the US Government, state and local governments, interest groups, and the policy method itself all among each other. Furthermore, it took the United States nearly to the anniversary of its bicentennial to see important environmental issues and problems be formidably addressed, only seeing roughly four policies aimed at issues regarding environmental protection, preservation, or conservation. Although the perception of championing policies and programs seeking these outcomes is that of being a liberal or that of the Democratic Party, it was a Republican President, Richard Nixon, who first created an organization that enforced these environmental issues, the EPA.
This alludes to the modern day point which I believe a consensus has been loosely agreed on. This is the idea that the environment is vital and important to preserve and maintain, however to what lengths is the arguement in legislatures at the state and national levels. It is that freedom among the states that allows this debate to be continued even if funding may be cut, redirected, or added pending on which party controls the White House and Capitol Hill.
As we see in the readings by Norman Vig, states seem to take the federal guidelines to enforcing environmental policy into their own hands. Some states may see the federal standards as the bare minimum, while others may use it as a maximum threshold to meet causing much variance among states and regions. Looking at states like Minnesota who developed the Toxic Pollution Prevention Act in 1990 and California who proposed the Green Wave Environmental Investment Initiative in 2004, allows for examples to be set for other states.
Lastly, it seems that the federal government has allowed much freedom with environmental policies within states even while states depend greatly on federal funding through grants. The areas such as the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), climate registry reports, and other regional partnerships are very important and useful towards improving the quality of our environment. However, I remain skeptical about the reporting methods in some cases with accuracy, accountability, and responsibility in these related areas.
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I too was struck that environmental policy in this country came along so late in the game. I wonder if this might be due to the more recent technological advances that allow us to use machines that pollute more and the electronic gadgets that allow us to measure the pollution and manage that data in ways that previous generations could only dream about. The graphs that show increasing pollution in air, water, or land show a staggering upward trend which begins rising very quickly along with the introduction of environmental policy here in the US.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post Blake. Your last statement sums up my personal view and also raises questions on how we can resolve this issue. There probably is no right answer and with politics being the way they are in our society, as citizens we need to ensure we make additional efforts to inform ourselves rather than just believing what people say on Fox 10 news.
ReplyDeleteThe technology advancements we have had allow us to understand more about these issues and the nature of environmental problems. Hopefully we continue to move in the direction to address problems in a unified manner. Also, Farhan you are right about have about being aware to the political nature of these issues and receiving all the facts before we make judgements. Sometimes media outlets can persuade the issue to the right or the left, selling the information to their viewers as if it were a product. Fortunately, there are credible sources that available, however with network media and others these seem to be disappearing.
ReplyDeleteHey Blake,
ReplyDeleteNice to see we have a class together, even if it is just online! :)
I agree with you, that we definitely got into the game of environmental policy late. But, I would also add, that even since the creation of the EPA, environmental issues have not been a top priority for our country. I am often still surprised at the "Global Warming" Debate that occurs in our country. Anyway, I guess my question to you is: do you think that even though we came into the game late that we can shift our ideas to make environmental policies more of a priority?
Hey, glad to see you following my blog and join in the discussion by taking this class.
ReplyDeleteI do feel like the reason for possible low priority-ranking for environmental policies may have to do with how the issue has been framed. I think the more refined message of the environment, economic sustainability, quality of life, along with renewable energy advancements have helped make this issue more comprehensive and modern.
Fortunately, now we see this realistic approach, and even those radically on the Right are starting to witness the impact of climate change. Also, they are beginning to see that voters are no longer viewing this issue as a principle to the Left platform, but more an issue of both parties, America, and our globe.
The ultimate problem I foresee is that financially it make be arduous for not only the US, but other nations to adopt and come on board with a unified mentality.