Comments on: Some Notes on the Environment: Why I Care And Why An Inconvenient Truth Doesn’t Matter http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Bill http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-90147 Bill Sat, 20 Oct 2007 16:05:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-90147 I love the EPA - firm made a ton of cash at my first job out of college working on their projects (outsourced to private consulting firms) The big advantage of working as a consultant to the government - it's not their money, and there's little accountability for results, so they aren't very careful how they spend it. The fees the EPA paid were such it wasn't worth going after private clients. We got all the best computer toys as well, which technically belonged to the EPA, but they never asked for them back at the end of a contract. I love the EPA – firm made a ton of cash at my first job out of college working on their projects (outsourced to private consulting firms)

The big advantage of working as a consultant to the government – it’s not their money, and there’s little accountability for results, so they aren’t very careful how they spend it.

The fees the EPA paid were such it wasn’t worth going after private clients.

We got all the best computer toys as well, which technically belonged to the EPA, but they never asked for them back at the end of a contract.

]]> By: Johanna http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-88473 Johanna Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:13:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-88473 @Amanda: If someone steals, destroys, or damages something that belongs to me, I want the government (in the form of the police) to step in and impose some consequences. I don't think the free market can be effective at imposing law and order in that way. Do you disagree? Similarly, if someone pollutes land that belongs to me, or air and water that belongs to everybody, then it's totally appropriate, and not at all anti-free-market, for the government to take action. It's as simple as that. @Amanda:

If someone steals, destroys, or damages something that belongs to me, I want the government (in the form of the police) to step in and impose some consequences. I don’t think the free market can be effective at imposing law and order in that way. Do you disagree?

Similarly, if someone pollutes land that belongs to me, or air and water that belongs to everybody, then it’s totally appropriate, and not at all anti-free-market, for the government to take action. It’s as simple as that.

]]> By: Amanda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87991 Amanda Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:12:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87991 If you're truly after a "free market" than the EPA cannot exist. It's as simple as that. The solution to government-caused waste and pollution is <i>not</i> more government! It's not voting, it's not writing to your congressman. We've tried it and it hasn't worked. The EPA hasn't worked, and can't work. It's antithetical to its very nature. If you’re truly after a “free market” than the EPA cannot exist. It’s as simple as that.

The solution to government-caused waste and pollution is not more government! It’s not voting, it’s not writing to your congressman. We’ve tried it and it hasn’t worked.

The EPA hasn’t worked, and can’t work. It’s antithetical to its very nature.

]]> By: Rhonda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87924 Rhonda Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:19:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87924 Why don't you think you can affect the larger picture? If everyone in America exercised their right to vote you could force through major changes in how America acts towards the environment - and as a major world pollutor that would be an enormous change. I don't understand why people with power to make a difference don't use it. Wouldn't you take away the keys to the family car if your son was driving irresponsibly? Why don’t you think you can affect the larger picture? If everyone in America exercised their right to vote you could force through major changes in how America acts towards the environment – and as a major world pollutor that would be an enormous change. I don’t understand why people with power to make a difference don’t use it. Wouldn’t you take away the keys to the family car if your son was driving irresponsibly?

]]> By: Aaron http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87800 Aaron Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:58:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87800 To sum up the argument made by the majority, the public good can't simply be left to private interests. It doesn't work that way. Externalities and the prisoner's dilemma both certainly apply, but I challenge anyone to familiarize themselves with the "tragedy of the commons" and then make the argument against government regulation. Debate 'til your blue in the face how effective the EPA is in practice, but that's besides the point. This is a theoretical discussion, and in theory, on an issue such as the environment, there needs to be some sort of governing body that leads with either the carrot or the stick. Trent, I can only assume your kids will either be in private schools or home-schooled? To sum up the argument made by the majority, the public good can’t simply be left to private interests. It doesn’t work that way. Externalities and the prisoner’s dilemma both certainly apply, but I challenge anyone to familiarize themselves with the “tragedy of the commons” and then make the argument against government regulation. Debate ’til your blue in the face how effective the EPA is in practice, but that’s besides the point. This is a theoretical discussion, and in theory, on an issue such as the environment, there needs to be some sort of governing body that leads with either the carrot or the stick.

Trent, I can only assume your kids will either be in private schools or home-schooled?

]]> By: Brett McKay http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87743 Brett McKay Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:07:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87743 I'll agree that protesting at WTO meetings is pointless. When I was in high school and in my first year of college I discovered Howard Zinn, Naomi Klein, and Adbusters. I thought it was pretty cool and started to get involved with left wing groups that protested against the Man ala the WTO protesters. You know what? It didn't do a lick of good. I discovered I could do more to fight social justice by giving my money to the Red Cross or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. I'll admit that I've become somewhat jaded about political involvement and activism. I think you'll see more and more people from my generation become more apolitical. Who can blame us? We've come of age in a time with intense partisan division and an administration that has lost the trust of the American people. I think this can explain the popularity of Ron Paul among younger people. His message resonates with our generation: Government screws things up so less of it is good. Personally, I'm in a transition of political orientation. I find libertarianism appealing on many levels, but am still leery of of going for full blown privatization. I'm still not convinced that privatization is the answer to all our problems. Sorry for the thread jack. End rambling. I’ll agree that protesting at WTO meetings is pointless. When I was in high school and in my first year of college I discovered Howard Zinn, Naomi Klein, and Adbusters. I thought it was pretty cool and started to get involved with left wing groups that protested against the Man ala the WTO protesters. You know what? It didn’t do a lick of good. I discovered I could do more to fight social justice by giving my money to the Red Cross or volunteering at a local soup kitchen.

I’ll admit that I’ve become somewhat jaded about political involvement and activism. I think you’ll see more and more people from my generation become more apolitical. Who can blame us? We’ve come of age in a time with intense partisan division and an administration that has lost the trust of the American people. I think this can explain the popularity of Ron Paul among younger people. His message resonates with our generation: Government screws things up so less of it is good.

Personally, I’m in a transition of political orientation. I find libertarianism appealing on many levels, but am still leery of of going for full blown privatization. I’m still not convinced that privatization is the answer to all our problems.

Sorry for the thread jack. End rambling.

]]> By: Brian C http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87735 Brian C Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:40:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87735 Trent, I like your push to reduce your footprint, but you should recognize the necessity of the EPA. No EPA would make our environment similar to China's... one sees the disasterous result of weak environmental regulation in China. When I visited Beijing & Shenzhen, the air was so polluted it was YELLOWISH BROWN for 2 weeks straight... I was gagging outdoors just walking around. China has not curtailed factory emissions until just recently. The EPA might seem slow and inefficient on the surface, but it has championed many sweeping changes to prevent (or at least slow down) the way Americans abuse our environment. Consider the positive impacts of the EPA, such as: eliminating lead from gasoline, lead paint, & banning asbestos; forcing factories to control pollution, thereby eliminating acid rain in the Northeast; outlawing DDT & benzene, making drinking water safer. The EPA receives a bad rap because it isn't 100% effective in ALL areas. But it has been VERY effective in many different areas. There is no way the EPA could placate all the thousands of activists groups since they have overlapping/opposing views. Trent, I like your push to reduce your footprint, but you should recognize the necessity of the EPA.

No EPA would make our environment similar to China’s… one sees the disasterous result of weak environmental regulation in China. When I visited Beijing & Shenzhen, the air was so polluted it was YELLOWISH BROWN for 2 weeks straight… I was gagging outdoors just walking around. China has not curtailed factory emissions until just recently.

The EPA might seem slow and inefficient on the surface, but it has championed many sweeping changes to prevent (or at least slow down) the way Americans abuse our environment. Consider the positive impacts of the EPA, such as: eliminating lead from gasoline, lead paint, & banning asbestos; forcing factories to control pollution, thereby eliminating acid rain in the Northeast; outlawing DDT & benzene, making drinking water safer.

The EPA receives a bad rap because it isn’t 100% effective in ALL areas. But it has been VERY effective in many different areas. There is no way the EPA could placate all the thousands of activists groups since they have overlapping/opposing views.

]]> By: Hannah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87701 Hannah Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:56:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87701 I agree that you've likely helped reduced the ecological footprints of some of your readers, and I strongly believe that progress can be measured in tiny increments. However, in this post you seem to be telling people that activism is pointless. I think that's a damaging philosophy. It is because of people like you (and at times, me), the many millions who think their voices are useless to change the actions of our government, that the government often does as it pleases. If you don't want to picket, at least write letters, send emails, vote. (I'm guessing that you don't vote, either, because what's the point?) This blog shows that your voice has power. I guess I'm just really surprised at this show of apathy, when you seem otherwise to be very driven. I agree that you’ve likely helped reduced the ecological footprints of some of your readers, and I strongly believe that progress can be measured in tiny increments. However, in this post you seem to be telling people that activism is pointless. I think that’s a damaging philosophy. It is because of people like you (and at times, me), the many millions who think their voices are useless to change the actions of our government, that the government often does as it pleases. If you don’t want to picket, at least write letters, send emails, vote. (I’m guessing that you don’t vote, either, because what’s the point?) This blog shows that your voice has power. I guess I’m just really surprised at this show of apathy, when you seem otherwise to be very driven.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87692 Lisa Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:31:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87692 What is your beef with the EPA? I value your opinion so I am curious to know. If you believe in the free market, then a product's price should take into consideration the pollution it produces but emits to the air, water, & land fill for FREE. We are paying a price for these, it just happens to be listed under the "asthma and other health problems" heading of your spreadsheet. What is your beef with the EPA? I value your opinion so I am curious to know. If you believe in the free market, then a product’s price should take into consideration the pollution it produces but emits to the air, water, & land fill for FREE. We are paying a price for these, it just happens to be listed under the “asthma and other health problems” heading of your spreadsheet.

]]> By: Becky http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87662 Becky Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:08:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87662 You are clearly concerned about your children's health, and I know you eat at home so you must buy a fair share of vegetables. I'd be interested to hear your feelings on organic produce (especially _local_ organic produce). It's more expensive, but it's arguably healthier for your kids and the planet -- do you spend the extra money for organics when they are available to you? You are clearly concerned about your children’s health, and I know you eat at home so you must buy a fair share of vegetables. I’d be interested to hear your feelings on organic produce (especially _local_ organic produce). It’s more expensive, but it’s arguably healthier for your kids and the planet — do you spend the extra money for organics when they are available to you?

]]> By: Siena http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87654 Siena Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:54:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87654 I think it is up to individuals and businesses to do their part--but it is also up to the govt. to help those who aren't doing their part. I was in Wal-mart and noticed a couple buying several boxes of regular light bulbs. They were buying other expensive items, and I wanted to say something to them from a cost and environment perspective. Well my state has banned regular light bulbs but that doesn't start til 2020. The govt's stricter mileage standards will force businesses to increase mileage in vehicles. Mandatory water conservation where I live even though water is plentiful ensures ecological peace for the wildlife/fish as well as enough water to outlast a drought. I try to conserve water because I consider it a precious resource. Others I know are conserving because they've already been cited and do not want to pay a fine. Yes, more individuals are acting now to help the environment, businesses are more involved than ever before, the govt. should absolutely get involved and be the leader, not the third place follower. I think it is up to individuals and businesses to do their part–but it is also up to the govt. to help those who aren’t doing their part. I was in Wal-mart and noticed a couple buying several boxes of regular light bulbs. They were buying other expensive items, and I wanted to say something to them from a cost and environment perspective. Well my state has banned regular light bulbs but that doesn’t start til 2020.

The govt’s stricter mileage standards will force businesses to increase mileage in vehicles. Mandatory water conservation where I live even though water is plentiful ensures ecological peace for the wildlife/fish as well as enough water to outlast a drought. I try to conserve water because I consider it a precious resource. Others I know are conserving because they’ve already been cited and do not want to pay a fine.

Yes, more individuals are acting now to help the environment, businesses are more involved than ever before, the govt. should absolutely get involved and be the leader, not the third place follower.

]]> By: Trent http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87639 Trent Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:01:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87639 Acting as a group has made the environment worse, not better. The energy expended on large-scale environmental issues end up with limp initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol and the Clean Skies Act (the latter of which actually benefits polluters). I could expend a bunch of energy and resources driving to a rally (burning fossil fuels) and waving signs around (wasting the resources used to make the sign), but it's not going to make a bit of difference in the long run. I'd rather expend an hour's worth of my energy reducing my own footprint by making my home efficient or planting trees than railing in Washington. Want me to fight on a bigger scale? Read this post again and think about the audience. If I can convince five people out of everyone who read this post to make some changes in their home, I've effected a far bigger change than I ever would running around waving a sign or fighting "the man" at a WTO protest. Acting as a group has made the environment worse, not better. The energy expended on large-scale environmental issues end up with limp initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol and the Clean Skies Act (the latter of which actually benefits polluters). I could expend a bunch of energy and resources driving to a rally (burning fossil fuels) and waving signs around (wasting the resources used to make the sign), but it’s not going to make a bit of difference in the long run.

I’d rather expend an hour’s worth of my energy reducing my own footprint by making my home efficient or planting trees than railing in Washington. Want me to fight on a bigger scale? Read this post again and think about the audience. If I can convince five people out of everyone who read this post to make some changes in their home, I’ve effected a far bigger change than I ever would running around waving a sign or fighting “the man” at a WTO protest.

]]> By: Vicksen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87635 Vicksen Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:50:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87635 Alas! When honest, thoughtful, caring and decent folks (and I definitely think that's you, Trent!) stop being involved in the big picture/society/political realm, things get really bad. The environment is only one example of the many issues which cannot be fully or adequately addressed _solely_ by individual action, but which require the concerted efforts of a whole society. Go on doing what good you can do, personally, privately, individually -- but be sure to bring your experience, your beliefs and your passions to the world in which we act together, as a group, to change things, too. Alas! When honest, thoughtful, caring and decent folks (and I definitely think that’s you, Trent!) stop being involved in the big picture/society/political realm, things get really bad. The environment is only one example of the many issues which cannot be fully or adequately addressed _solely_ by individual action, but which require the concerted efforts of a whole society. Go on doing what good you can do, personally, privately, individually — but be sure to bring your experience, your beliefs and your passions to the world in which we act together, as a group, to change things, too.

]]> By: Michaelbrazell http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87627 Michaelbrazell Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:40:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87627 @Grant, the answer to why anybody is opposed to the EPA can be found in your own question... "It’s _an entire agency_ devoted to making sure that we all have clean air and water." That sums it up about there. @Grant, the answer to why anybody is opposed to the EPA can be found in your own question…

“It’s _an entire agency_ devoted to making sure that we all have clean air and water.”

That sums it up about there.

]]> By: lotsofbluesky http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87614 lotsofbluesky Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:58:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87614 I read this post about the environment way back in January 2007 and it has stuck with me ever since. I think it would be good for more people to read it. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/vegetarian-is-the-new-pri_b_39014.html I read this post about the environment way back in January 2007 and it has stuck with me ever since. I think it would be good for more people to read it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-freston/vegetarian-is-the-new-pri_b_39014.html

]]> By: Monica http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87612 Monica Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:43:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87612 And yet you plan to own both a pick-up truck and a minivan? And yet you plan to own both a pick-up truck and a minivan?

]]> By: dong http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87610 dong Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:16:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87610 Amanda, the problem with pollution is that it doesn't just affect "your" own land. It affects everyone's land. That's why it's an externality. Air pollution doesn't linger over "your" land. Pollutants that find themselves into the water system doesn't stop at the boundary line of "your" land. Companies and individuals will pollute because it's in their best interest to do so. It's effectively a prisoner's dillemna. If everyone doesn't pollute we're all better off. However by free market rationale, companies are better of by polluting because they gain a cost advantage. This is why we need regulatory bodies like the EPA. You argue about how the EPA can be more effective, but there's no question that Environmental Regulation on the Government's part has helped the environment not hurt it. Amanda, the problem with pollution is that it doesn’t just affect “your” own land. It affects everyone’s land. That’s why it’s an externality. Air pollution doesn’t linger over “your” land. Pollutants that find themselves into the water system doesn’t stop at the boundary line of “your” land. Companies and individuals will pollute because it’s in their best interest to do so. It’s effectively a prisoner’s dillemna. If everyone doesn’t pollute we’re all better off. However by free market rationale, companies are better of by polluting because they gain a cost advantage. This is why we need regulatory bodies like the EPA. You argue about how the EPA can be more effective, but there’s no question that Environmental Regulation on the Government’s part has helped the environment not hurt it.

]]> By: Amanda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87593 Amanda Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:23:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87593 I would disagree with Brett most strongly. The government is the biggest polluter of anyone in the US. Federal programs have contaminated over 600 sites in the US, with a cost of $300 billion to clean up. The federal government has allowed waste dumping into the Potomac river, amongst many others. Why has it done so? It has absolutely no reason not to do so. That's right - none. It's not accountable to anyone ("the people" notwithstanding) and thus can do what it wishes. I _know_ this - I used to work as a research assistant for environmental litigation at the DOJ. Guess who we sued? Government agencies. All the time. Companies don't pollute their own land. That's a fact. Why? Because they own their land, which goes down in value if they pollute it. They don't care, however, about polluting government land so long as they know their buddies won't get over it. The actual free-market solution? Deregulate government lands, and allow their free sale on the open market. No more government land, no more government-sponsored pollution. This has never been tried. The "free market" has never been allowed to act in this country, no matter what anyone tells you. Can you name me any government agency that actually does its job without waste and unnecessary bureaucracy? Then why do you think the EPA does its job? They're amongst the worst polluters going. There is no such thing as a "necessary evil." Either something is evil or it isn't. I would disagree with Brett most strongly. The government is the biggest polluter of anyone in the US. Federal programs have contaminated over 600 sites in the US, with a cost of $300 billion to clean up. The federal government has allowed waste dumping into the Potomac river, amongst many others. Why has it done so? It has absolutely no reason not to do so. That’s right – none. It’s not accountable to anyone (”the people” notwithstanding) and thus can do what it wishes. I _know_ this – I used to work as a research assistant for environmental litigation at the DOJ. Guess who we sued? Government agencies. All the time.

Companies don’t pollute their own land. That’s a fact. Why? Because they own their land, which goes down in value if they pollute it. They don’t care, however, about polluting government land so long as they know their buddies won’t get over it. The actual free-market solution? Deregulate government lands, and allow their free sale on the open market. No more government land, no more government-sponsored pollution.

This has never been tried. The “free market” has never been allowed to act in this country, no matter what anyone tells you.

Can you name me any government agency that actually does its job without waste and unnecessary bureaucracy? Then why do you think the EPA does its job? They’re amongst the worst polluters going.

There is no such thing as a “necessary evil.” Either something is evil or it isn’t.

]]> By: Brett McKay http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87582 Brett McKay Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:08:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87582 Trent- I'd also like to hear why you oppose the EPA. I'm going to have to agree with others here. While I'm a big free market guy, the EPA and other environmental agencies are a necessary evil. While the idea that all our environmental problems can be solved with the market sounds awesome, I don't think it would work out. We tried that for the first 200 years of our country. It didn't work out very well for us. Additionally, the common law isn't sufficient to take care of environmental problems. There's only so much you can do with torts in environmental law. Trent-
I’d also like to hear why you oppose the EPA. I’m going to have to agree with others here. While I’m a big free market guy, the EPA and other environmental agencies are a necessary evil. While the idea that all our environmental problems can be solved with the market sounds awesome, I don’t think it would work out. We tried that for the first 200 years of our country. It didn’t work out very well for us. Additionally, the common law isn’t sufficient to take care of environmental problems. There’s only so much you can do with torts in environmental law.

]]> By: 60 in 3 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/comment-page-1/#comment-87526 60 in 3 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:41:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/10/15/some-notes-on-the-environment-why-i-care-and-why-an-inconvenient-truth-doesnt-matter/#comment-87526 I think all this energy would be better spent talking to people who do nothing rather than Trent, someone who may not act on the global scale but does good things on the local scale. Is that good? Absolutely. Can he do more? Sure, but I still think we're better off trying to change those who do nothing as opposed to those that are already acting, even if it's on a small scale. Gal I think all this energy would be better spent talking to people who do nothing rather than Trent, someone who may not act on the global scale but does good things on the local scale. Is that good? Absolutely. Can he do more? Sure, but I still think we’re better off trying to change those who do nothing as opposed to those that are already acting, even if it’s on a small scale.

Gal

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