Environmental Federalism

Paper Summary:

There is an ongoing debate as to whether primary responsibility for deciding on environmental regulations should rest with central authorities or with local authorities. The paper shows that it may be obvious that it should be the central government. After all, the earth faces serious environmental crises, including rampant pollution, rising carbon dioxide levels, the escalating greenhouse effect, global warming, depletion of natural resources and the ongoing extinction of species.

From the Paper:

"There is an ongoing debate as to whether primary responsibility for deciding on environmental regulations should rest with central authorities or with local authorities. On the one hand, it may seem to be obvious that it should be the central government. After all, the earth faces serious environmental crises, including rampant pollution, rising carbon dioxide levels, the escalating greenhouse effect, global warming, depletion of natural resources and the ongoing extinction of species. Therefore, it might be argued that we need sweeping legislation, backed by the might of the state, to protect our planet for ourselves and for future generations. Yet on the other hand it can also be argued that local control is a better way to go."

More papers on Environmental Federalism:

• Essay # 65240 : "Environmental Policy: The Australian Experience"
• Research Paper # 91208 : "The Influence of Environmental Organizations on U.S. Policy "
• Research Paper # 52187 : "Germany's Environmental Policy after Reunification"

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