Is EPA head Pruitt a federalism hypocrite for criticizing California climate policy?

Federalism is not a facile commitment to “states-rights” no matter what states do. EPA Administrator Pruit’s criticism of California’s attempt to regulate beyond its borders is entirely consistent with a commitment to federalism.

Will the federal government stop Utah from working with property owners to protect prairie dogs?

For three years, Utah has worked with property owners to protect prairie dogs. But a decision from the Tenth Circuit threatens to get rid of that conservation program and replace it with more conflict.

Competition among states is the driving force behind environmental policy innovation

Just as competition leads to innovation in the economy, and crony capitalism leads to sluggishness, competition among states is the driving force behind environmental policy innovation.

Supreme Court should preempt state laws to save environmental federalism

If Congress can only protect its choices by broadly preempting states laws, it will. And, in the long run, states will have less room to protect the environment than they would if courts continued to enforce the balance. That would be a significant blow to both federalism and the environment.

Does the environment trump constitutional limits on federal power?

In Utah prairie dog decision, the Tenth Circuit undermined cooperative conservation of the species and tore up constitutional limits on federal power.