THE IMPACT OF THE NEW INSTRUMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE: NATIONAL EXPERIENCES AND PROSPECTS

ABSTRACT

The use of so-called “new” environmental policy instruments such as eco-taxes, tradable permits, voluntary agreements and eco-labels has prompted widespread claims that these devices have replaced regulation. These papers offer a fresh perspective on the evolving tool-box of environmental policy.

“For example, water rights originally allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis may leave no share of a river flow for ‘ecological services’ such as biodiversity conservation. Producer ‘take back’ laws on consumer products extend businesses’ responsibility for products they have sold, and a precaution-based chemicals policy can shift the burden of proof around the risk and safety of novel substances (Jordan et al. 2003). In this sense, the emergence of the environmental state coincides with a (partial) transformation of the terms on which states exercise authority, as well as the way such authority is legitimized.

Book Description

The use of so-called “new” environmental policy instruments such as eco-taxes, tradable permits, voluntary agreements and eco-labels has prompted widespread claims that these devices have replaced regulation. These papers offer a fresh perspective on the evolving tool-box of environmental policy.

Table of Contents

Introduction: “New” Instruments of Environmental Governance – Patterns and Pathways of Change Andrew Jordan et al.  National Experiences: The Politics of “Light-Handed” Regulation – “New” Environmental Policy Instruments in Australia Elim Papadakis and Richard Grant.  Struggling to Leave Behind a Highly Regulatory Past? “New” Environmental Policy Instruments in Austria Rudiger K.W. Wurzel et al.  The Politics of Regulatory Reform – “New” Environmental Policy Instruments in Finland Rauno Sairinen.  From High Regulatory State to Social and Ecological Market Economy? “New” Environmental Policy Instruments in Germany Rudiger K.W. Wurzel et al.  Much Talk but Little Action? “New” Environmental Policy Instruments in Ireland Brendan Flynn.  Instrument Innovation in an Environmental Lead State – “New” Environmental Policy Instruments in the Netherlands Anthony R. Zito et al.  Policy Innovation or “Muddling Through”? “New” Environmental Policy Instruments in the United Kingdom Andrew Jordan et al.  Comparative Conclusions: “New” Environmental Policy Instruments – An Evolution or a Revolution in Environmental Policy?