Lesson 9: Politics and the Environment
In this lesson, we will talk about political opposition to
environmental public policies. We will also discuss the idea that environmental
policy should be seen as a matter of public good, rather than a political
issue, and how citizens can get involved in setting public policy.
Since environmental public policies have costs and affect both personal and
business life, they are often hotly debated and contested by politicians and
political parties.
In the 1990s, the environmental movement which had enjoyed bipartisan support in
early years, faced a backlash. There were efforts to
dismantle key laws such as the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act.
Congressional Republicans that
voted for Ronald Reagan promoted free enterprise but also pushed for
deregulation and to defund the EPA and dismantle key protective laws. These
efforts were met with resistance from grassroots environmentalists.
Many environmental advocates have pushed for environmental policy to
be seen as a matter of public good above special interests or political parties.
Presidents have a lot of influence over public opinion and policy. Under
President Bush, there were some anti-environmental policies. Under President
Obama, CO2 and greenhouse gases were recognized as a threat to public health.
The Stimulus Bill of 2009 included $40 billion for clean energy and
energy efficient programs.
What can you do as a public citizen to be involved?
Be educated and learn the facts. Stay informed.
Share your opinions and
concerns. Contact your legislators. Bring attention to issues that matter to you.
Finally, you can make efforts to come up with solutions to address and
solve any given problem.