Politics of Environmental Issues Exam 1

How does Layzer define the 5 stages of policymaking? Which branches of government play a role (and what role do they play?) in each stage? (We'll talk about this in lecture, too.)

1. Agenda setting: getting policy maker to notice/pay serious attention to issue. 2. Alternative formulation: Devising possible solutions to a problem. 3. Decision making: choosing from possible solutions. 4. Implementation: translating decision into concrete action. 5. Evaluation: Assessing if actions are accomplishing policy goals.

What are 3 possible ways in which the tragedy of the commons-say, with respect to the in-class "bunnies" example, but also with respect to real-world environmental problems- might be avoided? How are these solutions supposed to work?

1. Community governance work by using community traditions, relationships, and norms. 2. Property rights governance work by having a minimal state. An overseer with police power will protect basic property rights. 3. Regulatory governance works by having a modern state with vast regulatory powers.

What are some ways in which the ability to organize people allows NGOs to exercise power? Why do political actors in the executive branch and legislative branch respond to mass mobilizations of people?

1. Demonstrate to policymakers how strongly people feel about certain issues through public protests, letter-writing, petition drives, etc. 2. Boost number of people who participate in electoral process by voting/donating money to political campaigns. They want to please the people in order to be re-elected and keep their position

What are the major ways that the courts (the judicial branch) are able to "check" the powers of Congress (the legislative branch) and the president (the executive branch)?

1. Interpret statutory law to limit or expand its reach. 2. Find that new laws are unconstitutional 3. Find executive actions violating statutory law or (even worse) the constitution

What are some ways in which money allows NGOs to exercise power? (To answer this question, it is also useful to think about what Dunlap and McCright talk about in "Organized Climate Change Denial".)

1. Maintain large staffs of lobyists/other professionals who pressure policymakers (legislative and executive branch) to support/oppose particular policies. 2. Support many other organizations and individuals (think tanks, front groups, astroturf groups, and experts) who develop ideas, push perspectives in media, influence public opinion, and lobby policymakers. 3. Make contributions to campaigns of prefferred candidates and indirectly provide support to these campaigns in other ways.

What are some ways ways in which the ability to mobilize experts allows NGOs to exercise power? (Layzer talks about this, and Dunlap and McCright provide insight, too.)

1. Make credible aruments on env. issues that sway public opinion. 2. Directly communicate with policy makers about benefits and risks of different ways of dealing with environmental problems like climate change.

What are the 4 specific reasons why, according to Kraft, a modern state with strong regulatory powers is necessary for environmental protection?

1. Only gov. can support large-scale scientific research project 2. To limit property owners from using property however they want 3. Fund green public work projects 4. Owns and manages public lands

What are the major ways that Congress (the legislative branch) is able to check the power of the presidents(the executive branch) and the courts (the judicial branch)?

1. Refuse to pass chief executive proposals. 2. Override chief executive's veto. 3. Starve bureaucracies or limit what they can do through legislation. 4. Pass new statues to supersede court rulings.

What are the major ways that the President (the executive branch) is able to "check" the powers of Congress (the legislative branch) and the courts (the judicial branch)?

1. Use the "bully pulpit" to put political pressure on Congress to approve legislation that the president wants. 2. Veto bills approved by both chambers of congress 3. Find ways to achieve goals using only existing law and agencies in executive branch (executive action)

What is a filibuster?

40 senators can filibuster a bill. They must vote to stop talking about a bill and vote on the bill. If 40 senators vote not to stop talking, then they keep talking.

Abramoff is a famous—and disgraced—lobbyist. What is a "bennie," in Abramoff's world?

A "bennie" is a perk. He has an article called "How to get your perk into a bill".

What is a bill, what is a statute and what is the difference between them?

A bill is a proposal for a new law. If passed by legislative branch and then (in most cases) approved by executive branch, it can become a new law called a statute.

What does Layzer mean by a "window of opportunity," and why is this an important concept for advocacy organizations?

A chance for advocates to promote their solutions, with the public's attention. This is important because it could push progress and something could actually get done.

What is lobbying? Why does the ability to hire lobbyists represent an important way in which power is exercised in Washington, D.C.?

A form of advocacy with intention of influencing decisions, actions, policies of officials (legislators or members of regulatory agencies) in their daily life. If you can influence decisions in your preffered direction, then your goals get accomplished.

What are values?

A person's views of what's right/wrong or important in life. Collective conceptions of what is considered good, desirable, and proper (or bad, undesirable, and improper.).

How is Obama's Clean Power Plan a good example of the relationship between a statute and a regulation or rule?

A statue is a law, such as the clean air act, and regulations are rules set by agencies, like the EPA, on how to implement a statute.

What is the main difference between how people in the "A" category think about nature, and how people in the "B" category think about nature?

A: Land is soil for commodity-production B: Nature is a living thing and must be managed as a living environment not an artificial one

What are "front groups," and what role do they play in organized climate change denial?

Advocacy organization designed to appear objective/non-partisan but are funded by other NGOs, foundations, individuals which have a definite political agenda.

What are "astroturf groups," and what role do they play in organized climate change denial? (Bonus points if you know where the term "astroturf" comes from!)

Advocacy organization designed to seem like created and led by "regular people" but have lots of support from wealthy NGOs and individuals. Derived as play on words grassroots since astroturf is brand of synthetic carpeting that looks like grass. Opposite of grass roots (genuine public support of an issue)

What are non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? What is their relationship to civil society?

An NGO is any non-state , non-profit agency. Relies heavily on volunteers, some have paid staff. Civil society is made up of NGOs of various kinds. NGOs are building blocks of civil society

What does Arnold think about environmentalism in general?

Arnold believes that environmentalism is a sheep in wolf's clothing.

What are organizational resources? For the purposes of this class, what are the three main kinds of resources that organizations can draw on to exercise power, i.e. to influence debates over environmental policy?

Assets that an advocacy organization can draw on to win. Money, people, experts.

For both cornucopian and environmentalist advocacy organizations, why is "defining a problem" (in Layzer's sense) in a particular way an important first step to building a winning coalition?

Because by defiing the problem in certain ways allows you to make it appeal to more people and seem more important and you will be able to advertise to potential supporters what the problem is and how you plan to build support for it. More people, more support, more influence

According to Ostrom, what is the difference between a "common-pool resource" and a "commons"?

Both are difficult to limit access to, but a common pool resource subtracts from finite quality available to others (fish in lake), a commons does not subtract from a finite quality that others use (internet).

What does Layzer mean by "softening up"?

Building acceptance for a new idea and getting people used to it. (Speeches, articles, scholarly briefings with policymakers.)

Catherine McCabe, Governor Murphy's nominee to lead the Department of Environmental Protection (and she was confirmed to that position), has a lot of experience working with environmental law. Why might this be an important qualification, given her new duties?

By being well expereinced w/ envrionmental law, she will be able to create regulations that enforce the law properly. It is important to be able to do this as leader of the dept of Environ. Protection. She's basically an expert

What are some examples of civil society groups?

Charities, Community groups, Advocacy groups

What are checks and balances and why do they exist in the US system? Why did the framers of the Constitution want each branch of gov to be able to check the others?

Checks and balances are that each branch of gov has some power to limit what other branches can do. The framers made it this way to spread out power and prevent corruption. Fearful of tyranny like in england

Why are debates over the proper size and reach of the State an important part of environmental politics?

Civil society groups seek to influence both values about the environments AND values about the proper of the State.

What role do committees play in Congress? Why are they important?

Committees monitor ongoing gov operations and are important because they identify issues suitable for legislature review, gather and evaluate info, recommend courses of action to senate. Multiple committees concentrate on cetain issues

Why did the Obama administration view addressing climate change through the existing Clean Air Act as a second-best solution?

Congress refused to take action and only provided a flexible bill that made it easy for pollutants to comply. Since the EPA has strict regulations, it was the next best thing.

Why do some advocacy organizations or other civil society groups turn to "extreme" tactics to achieve their strategic goals?

Conventional and unconventional methods have proven to be slow or not work. Extreme tactics are quickest way to gain attention because they physically get in the way and are sometimes illegal.

What are some differences between conventional, unconventional, and "extreme" tactics?

Conventional us picketing, protests, and petitions. Unconventional is guerilla labeling, sponsorships, and stalking candidates. Extreme is risky or illegal behavior, locking oneself to a gate, in boats in blocked off areas, living in a tree.

Why did President Obama feel the need to use the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to address climate change?

Due to inaction on the behalf of congress. It was the only way he saw to get things done.

What are some key administrative agencies in the executive branch of the U.S. government that deal with natural resources and the environment?

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to write rules to limit many kinds of pollution. Dept. of Agriculture provides forest service. It also had the natural resources conservation service. Dept. of Energy is the office of Energy Efficiency and renewable Energy. Office of Environmental management.

What does Arnold view as environmentalism's major flaws?

Environmentalism wants control over all resources so it can be the world's resource allocator.

What are the 3 branches of government for both federal government (whole US) and state governments (like new jersey)?

Executive branch on federal level is president and EPA and other federal agencies. On state level its governor and state environmental agencies. Legislative Branch on federal level is congress, on state level is state legislature. Judicial branch on federal level is supreme courts and federal courts, on state level its state courts.

In your view, which kinds of organizational resources are best for influencing policymaking at which of Layzer's stages? (Note: there isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer to this question. It's just something you should think about...)

Experts during alternative formulations can provide multiple solutions that would be beneficial and could resolve the issue.

What are "contrarian scientists," and why are they important to cornucopian front groups opposed to taking action to stop climate change?

Experts with views against the growing or already established scientific consensus. Supported by ideological think tanks and promoted by front groups. Front groups use them to validate their perspectives and goals.

What does Layzer mean by "defining a problem"?

Framing info to draw attention to some elements of a problem while obscuring/minimizing others.

What are some ways in which conservative/cornucopian philanthropists, like Joseph Coors and Charles and David Koch, played a central role in organized climate change denial? What does this say about why money can be such a powerful organizational resource?

Funding think tanks using the money they have. Money can make people see only what the wealthy can support.

What does Andersen mean by "government failure"? What are some reasons why government agencies entrusted with protecting the environment might actually fail to do son?

Gov failure means creating misaligned incentives to improve policies. Government is not a well intentioned impersonal decision-making computer, it is a group of elected, appointed, and hired people who are tangled in a complex decision making structure.

Why does Andersen think that, in many cases, individual property owners are better at protecting and conserving natural resources than government agencies?

Government officials are not as motivated by self-interest in the same way that individual market actors are.

In lecture, we talked about a number of different powers that the chief executive of the federal government (the president) can use to achieve her goals. How is Governor Murphy, the chief executive of the state government of New Jersey, starting to use similar powers to achieve his environmental goals?

He signed a legislation that caused NJ to tie with CA and NY for nation's 3rd most ambitious renewable energy mandate. Boosting Community Solar energy. Appointed his own administrators to the NJDAP, the ones that follow his views. He's very environmentalist

What role does Trump want the EPA to play in rolling back Obama's Clean Power Plan? How is this an illustration of the president's power to make policy through existing legislation?

He wants his politcally appointed official in the EPA to dismantle Obama's CPP. He found a way to accomplish this goal through existing laws and agencies in the executive branch

What are some key differences between the House of Rep and the Senate? How have these differences made it harder to get strong legislation to address climate change approved by the senate, as compared to the House?

House of Rep has 1 rep for every 711,000 residents in state. Minority has little power. Senate has 2 senators for every state. Minority has power to block or slow legislation support by majority. It only takes 40 senators to filibuster a bill.

What are some reasons why understanding what people value is an important part of social science?

It can help predict individual's actions involving things like buying, parenting, voting. Values can be associated with important characteristics of whole societies.

Does modern cornucopian thinking draw more on Locke or Kraft for inspiration? In what way?

It draws more on Locke since Locke views a minimal state and property rights as the key to conserving natural resources. This satisfies the cornucopian need for freedom.

How do environmentalists understand the relationship between protecting the environment and economic growth?

It is just as important as economic growth or even more important.

What do Scellenberger and Nordhaus mean by "issue boxes"-- and why is this term so important?

It refers to those who believe in their mind that an issue is theirs. Important because individuals should not feel need to feel pressure about issue they need to take care of. Normal everyday people don't care about arguments that are only appealing to other environmentalist. Important because you need to appeal to more people

Do you think that modern environmentalist thinking draws more on Locke or Kraft? Why?

Kraft since he deems government regulation as a requirement to protect the environment.

How do you think Kraft would respond to Andersen's call for "free market environmentalism"?

Kraft would say that the involvement of government in FME is too little and that more government regulation is needed.

Does Kraft's idea of what governments should do appear different from Locke's? In what way or ways?

Kraft's idea differs from Lock's because Kraft wants state with more power since he believes only government can support large-scale scientific research projects w/ only public interest in mind. Where environmental protection is concerned, property rights and state may not be enough!

What could the New Jersey state legislature do to prevent Governor Murphy from achieving, say, his plans for renewable energy? How could New Jersey state courts also create problems for the governor?

Legislatures can override by 2/3 vote or by filibuster. The court can invalidate decisions or limit the reach of his plans

Why did Senator John McCain back away from supporting a strong bill to address climate change in 2009, even though he was helping to write it? How is McCain's decision an example of what Layzer says is a major thing that members of Congress are always thinking about?

McCain backed away so that he wouldn't risk losing his position in the senate to J.D Hayworth. His decision is an example of congress members being worried of the views of congress's constituents because he did not wants a right-wing person to replace his left-wing views.

What are "advocacy organizations" (this is a term that Layzer introduces)? What is one of the main goals of advocacy organizations, and how does this set them apart from other NGOs?

NGOs that are focused on impacting policy. Instead of having a "presecne in public life", the main goal of advocacy organizations is to impact policy.

What are "think tanks," and what role do they play in organized climate change denial?

NGOs that support scientific research focused on particular issues, sometimes through employing researchers directly, sometimes through grants. Depending on where funding comes from they can be objective or highly idealogical. They can be used to fund research against climate change.

What are some of the major policy proposals of the wise use movement? How are these proposals justified by the principles of wise use as put forth by Arnold.

No restrictions. They want to get rid of national parks to do oil drilling and deforestations

What is Civil Society and what is its relationship to the State?

Non-government, not-for-profit organizations that have presence in public life. They express interests and values of members (Like charities, labor unions, advocacy groups) base on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious, philanthropic considerations.

Who are "bureaucrats" or "civil employees"? How are they different from political appointees?

Officials in government agencies who's employment does not change for political reasons. They don't get fired when administration changes.

What is the chief purpose of a business firm (a company, corporation, etc.)? Why might a business firm lobby government?

Organization of people with purpose to generate profits for owners and or investors. They may lobby to influence policies in such a way that allows them to increase profit.

Why do Schellenberger and Nordhaus recommend that environmentalists put economic arguments at the center of their efforts to engage the public? Do you agree with this recommendation? Why or why not?

People believe being environmentally conscious is expensive, but if the environmentalists prove to the public that this is not the case, perhaps people will become more receptive to progressing environmentally. I agree because showing people it truly isn't expensive will prevent from pushing people away from being environmentally conscious.

What are some ways that the President can "go around" Congress to achieve his/her goals? When the President "goes around" Congress, how are his/her actions vulnerable to challenge?

Political pressure forces executive branch to change course. President can get agencies to change regulations. Use bully pulpit and executive orders, modify existant law Bureaucrats resist policy changes initiated by political appointees. Executive actions are challenged in courts and can be deemed unconstitutional.

What is meant by the term "bully pulpit"? Why is this such an important, unwritten power of the president?

Position to speak out and be always listened to. It is unwritten because it is known that it's important for the PODUS to speak to the people of the USA. Everyone will pay attention and listen

Why do some cornucopians believe that government protection of individuals' property rights will result in environmental conservation? Do you agree?

Property rights make environment an asset rather than a liability by giving owners incentive for stewardship. I agree because people would want to take care of their share of the environment so that it doesn't decrease in quality and value.

In general, what do "environmentalists" value?

Protection of the environment, since it is vulnerable.

The Waxman-Markey bill to address climate change passed the House in 2009, when Democrats were in the majority. On the Senate side, Senators Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman spent a lot of time trying to get Republican senators to support the bill, even though Democrats had the majority in the Senate, too. Why do you think this was necessary?

Some democrats would not support the bill, so he needed as many people as possible. To avoid possibility of a filibuster

What is the difference between strategies and tactics?

Strategies are broad overall plans to acheive goals implemented over long periods of time. Tactics are methods used to achieve incremental successes that over time meet strategic goals.

What are some differences between strong and tempered environmentalism?

Strong Environmentalists: Limited materials means people must care Earth. Strong limit to individual freedom. Tempered Environmentalists: Resources are limited and vulnerable. Limit individual freedom to some extent.

What are some differences between strong and tempered cornucopianism?

Strong cornucopianism: People should be as free as possible with no limits. Economic growth is greatest good. Env. problems never last, we fix it. Tempered: Freedom is good for people. Healthy environment is also good. Human ingenuity and free market can be trusted to protect environment.

What are some important differences between what we're calling strong environmentalists and tempered environmentalists?

Strong: Extremely concerned for environment, VERY willing to accept strong state. Temp: Care about environment, willing to accept some state.

What are some important differences between what we're calling strong cornucopians and tempered cornucopians?

Strong: very little concern for environment. very little willingness to accept strong state. Temp: Somewhat care about environment. Not too willing to accept state.

What are some different varieties of cornucopianism?

Technological optimists (humans will solve all problems in the environment) There's those who value economic growth more than natural world and those who love the outdoors but have more faith in indiv's ability to protect it

When people refer to "the administration" at the federal level, what do they mean?

The chief executive (the president) and appointees w/in the executive branch of gov. Ex: The Obama Administration, the Reagan Administration (prioritzed cutting taxes and shrinking gov)

What does it mean to say that the judicial branch is fundamentally "reactive", whereas the legislative branch and executive branch are "proactive"?

The judicial branch can only make decision on cases brought to them. The legislative and Executive branch can create their own ideas and make decisions on them.

Once Obama acted, which branch of government became central to the plans of Obama's opponents for stopping executive branch efforts to address climate change? Why is this branch so important?

The legislative branch, it can challenge the executive branch and overturn bill proposed by the president Judicial can deem his actions unconstitutional

Why did framers of the Constitution create a Congress that was composed of both a House of Representatives and a Senate?

The senate (which has 2 senates for each state) gives rural less populated states a way to block or slow legislation favored by urban more populated states.

What does Layzer mean by "tipping"? How is the first Earth Day celebration an example of a "tipping point" in public opinion? (We'll talk about Earth Day in lecture; Layzer doesn't mention it in the text.)

The tipping point is when support for an idea is so sufficiently widespread it takes on a life of it's own. So tipping is when you push an idea closer to the tipping point. Earth Day phenomonon. It all started as a celebration that everyone became aware

Why does Ostrom think that protecting natural resources (like fishing stocks) requires taking local rules and traditions into account?

There might be local rules that already protect the natural resources. One might disturb these rules which are already in place.

Why are experts such an important part of environmental policymaking—and environmental politics?

They are critical to success/failure of influencing gov decision making. They provide arguments and empirical support for advocates' positions and the media.

What are politically appointed officials (for instance, "administrators" at the federal level), and what do they do?

They are officials in the executive branch nominated by the Chief Executive and subject to confirmation by Senate. Administrators are the heads of agencies in teh executive branch. Ex: EPA administrator

What are regulations, or rules? What is their relationship to "statues", where environmental policy is concerned?

They are written by agencies in the executive branch. They are the detailed rules to implement a statute law. The government must abide by the rules and regulations when carrying out policies.

How do cornucopians understand the relationship between protecting the environment and economic growth?

They believe environmental restrictions threaten economic well-being/health of their community. Unacceptable limits by government on individual freedom.

What can happen when government agencies try to "protect the environment" without working closely with communities who rely on certain natural resources for income?

They can cause many problems, such as destroying pre-existing natural resource protection rules that already work. They may also cause a collapse in local economies.

How can advocacy organizations, using their organizational resources, attempt to influence environmental policymaking at the agenda setting stage? At the alternative formulation stage? At the other stages?

They can use people to show how strongly people feel about it and lobbyists to put pressure on policymakers. Experts to provide alternate solutions.

What are some examples of how Graham and Lieberman tried to convince Republican senators, like Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Olympia Snowe of Maine, to support their bill to address climate change? Did they succeed? Why or why not (in your opinion)?

They catered to the two Republicans' wishes and tried to grant them. Such as letting Lisa Murkowski write up ideas to expand drilling in places they did not approve of. They succeeded and recruited a few republicans which is in my opinion is better than none.

In general, what do cornucopians value?

They value economic growth

Does "wise use" philosophy view nature as resilient or fragile? Why? What are the implications of this view?

They view nature as resilient. This is because they tend to be cornucopians. They steward the Earth as it stewards them.

When Hardin used the term "tragedy of the commons", why would Ostrom say that Hardin is really talking about the problems that crop up with common-pool resources?

This is because Hardin refers to a finite resource. It is being subtracted from.

Given the Trump administration's efforts to repeal Obama's Clean Power Plan, do you think that Obama made the right choice in "going around Congress" to accomplish his goals? Why or why not?

This was the right choice because it allows for stricter enforcement and less flexibility of new regulations by agencies

In politics, what does it mean to build a "coalition" of support?

To build support bigger that includes more than just strongest supporters. Appeal to more people with different views

Why might it be important for someone like Abramoff to know who serves on which Congressional committees, and for how long?

To know who to become close freints with that can help put the perk into a bill.

According to Locke, why do we have state?

To protect property rights. Also to protect basic freedoms of individual people.

What is the goal of the survey questions for the "New Ecological Paradigm"?

To test for environmental values. This could be useful when trying to figure out whether an individual is a environmentalist or cornucopian.

What are some different varieties of environmentalism?

Transcendentalism (spiritual renewal in nature) Conservationism (Thoughtful/mindful use of resources) Preservationists (Set aside lots of untouched land)

What exactly is "wise use"?

Use resources wisely to build wealth to improve the economy by creating jobs. Sure have a national park, but if there is oil, let's get it out of the park.

According to Layzer, what is the fundamental thing that motivates members of Congress? How does this relate to the role of polls in measuring the importance of an issue to residents of a state or a congressional district?

Views of their constituents motivate members of congress. This relates to polls because the views of residents determine who they vote for and elect.

What does the "wise use" philosophy have to say about human ingenuity and technology? How would Arnold suggest that major environmental problems be solved?

We can break natural limits and make Earthly good infinite. Accomodation of both environment protection and economic growth.

What is the Tragedy of the Commons- what does this term refer to, and what unfortunate unfolding of events does it describe?

When individuals take as much as they can from a common pool resource, which results in degrading the common pool resource and leaving everyone worse off.

What are some examples of contemporary environmental problems that play out like a tragedy of the commons?

When people allow their cows to end up overgrazing. When people go out to fish and end up overfishing. Overhunting

What is the relationship of the "wise use" philosophy to the broader environmental movement?

Wise use are Antienvironmentalists

Where would you place "wise use" on the environmentalist-to-cornucopian spectrum?

Wise use would be tempered cornucopianism since cares significantly about economic growth, but it at least cares a bit about the environment.

How does Abramoff's brief essay demonstrate the ways in which money allows advocacy organizations to exercise power over, say, environmental policy?

With money, you can easily sneak in whatever you want into a bill.

Do you think these local plastic bag bans will have an impact on debates about plastic bag bans at the state level? Why or why not?

Yes they will. They can be used as examples that they work.

According to Leopold, what should be the role of economic principles in conservation?

You have to do it ethically. It limits what can and cannot be done. This helps promote the conservation.