Strategic Planning in Environmental Regulation – A Policy Approach that Works

Book Details

• Author: Steven Cohen

• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

• Binding: Paperback

• Format: Import

• Number of Pages: 304

• Release Date: 03-01-2006

• ISBN: 9780262532754

• Package Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches

• Languages: English

About The Book

Strategic Planning in Environmental Regulation offers a comprehensive and insightful approach to designing effective environmental regulation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between business and government. Steven Cohen introduces the concept of strategic regulatory planning, which moves beyond traditional command-and-control methods of environmental regulation. The book presents a broader view of regulation, incorporating various strategies that influence private sector behavior to align with public goals.

The book provides an innovative framework for regulatory agencies to carefully consider the regulatory objectives, the target audiences, and the characteristics of the agencies themselves, ultimately fostering more efficient and productive outcomes. Through two in-depth case studies—one focusing on the use of the gasoline additive MTBE, and the other on the cleanup of underground storage tanks (USTs)—Cohen highlights the contrasting successes and challenges of different regulatory approaches.

In the case of MTBE, a substance that was originally designed to improve air quality but later found to contribute to groundwater pollution, Cohen critiques the failures of top-down regulation. In contrast, the UST cleanup case demonstrates a more strategic, results-oriented approach that led to better outcomes. These real-world examples emphasize how different regulatory methods can achieve varying levels of success and provide valuable lessons for future policy implementation.

For students, professionals, and anyone involved in environmental regulation, this book offers essential insights into creating more strategic, efficient, and effective environmental policies that can drive lasting improvements in environmental quality.