Chapter 7: Environmental Policy: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
European Union (EU)
(syn Common Market) an economic association established in 1957 by a number of Western European countries to promote free trade among its members
regulatory taking
A government regulation that effectively takes land by restricting its use, even if it remains in the owner's name.
emission trading
A mechanism that allows parties to the Kyoto Protocol to buy or sell emissions from or to other parties, while keeping within overall emissions targets (carbon emissions)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
A report required by federal law that assesses the possible effect of a project on the environment if the project is subsidized in whole or part by federal funds.
World Bank
A specialized agency of the United Nations that makes loans to countries for economic development, trade promotion, and debt consolidation. Its formal name is the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
free rider
An individual who does not to join a group representing his or her interests yet receives the benefit of the group's influence.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Environmental Impact Statements must be done before any project affecting federal lands can be started
Public Trust Doctrine
Land held in trust by government for the people to enjoy for purposes of navigation, commerce, and recreation
environmental policy
Laws, rules, and regulations related to an environmental problem that are developed, implemented, and enforced by a particular government agency.
shale gas
Natural gas occurring within or extracted from shale.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The US federal agency with a mission to protect human health and the environment.
policy
a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual.
cap and trade
a method for managing pollution in which a limit is placed on emissions and businesses or countries can buy and sell emissions allowances
Tragedy of the Commons
a parable that illustrates why common resources are used more than is desirable from the standpoint of society as a whole
World Trade Organization (WTO)
a permanent global institution to promote international trade and to settle international trade disputes
executive order
a rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law.
subsidy
a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive.
command and control
an approach to protecting the environment that sets strict legal limits and threatens punishment for violations of those limits
United Nations (UN)
an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
nonprofit groups that provide charitable services or promote social and environmental causes
conventional law
rules as decided between persons, countries, organizations, etc. by agreement.
green taxes/ecotaxes
taxes levied on a per-unit basis on the amount of pollution, hazardous waste produced, fossil fuels used, etc.
legislation
the act of making or enacting laws
public policy
the course of action the government takes in response to an issue or problem
hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
the forcing open of fissures in subterranean rocks by introducing liquid at high pressure, especially to extract oil or gas.
polluter pays principle
the polluter should bear the expenses of carrying out the pollution prevention and control measures to ensure that the environment is in an acceptable state
Globalization
the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.
revolving door
the tendency of public officials, journalists, and lobbyists to move between public and private sector (media, lobbying) jobs
regulation
the use of governmental authority to control or change some practice in the private sector