Libertarian environmentalism
Last week, Interior Secretary Zinke released an interim report suggesting that the boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument should be redrawn and management of the area reconsidered. In less than a day, before knowing what the new boundaries or management would be, lawsuits were threatened. If carried out, the proposal will empower tribes, promote better stewardship, and limit unnecessary regulation.
The environment’s greatest friend is technological innovation. Human ingenuity–what Julian Simon called “the ultimate resource”–has consistently enabled us to make more with less. Yet environmental laws too often throw up roadblocks to that progress, favoring the dirty status quo over a cleaner future.
At long last, the Administration has chosen an acting leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—an important federal agency … More
Is EPA tied to Justice Kennedy’s mushy test for Clean Water Act jurisdiction? No. Federalism, the fact that it is a criminal statute, and Kennedy’s acknowledgment that the statute is hopelessly vague all justify EPA substantially narrowing bureaucrats’ authority.
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.
The possibility that we may soon be able to resurrect extinct species would allow us to hedge against the risk of extinction.
North Carolina has enacted House Bill 467, which should be known as the “Crony Nuisance Protection Act.” Under it any agricultural or forestry business can violate its neighbors’ property rights and avoid fully compensating its neighbors for the harm.
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.
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.
The Supreme Court is considering an important Takings Clause case on the government’s obligation to pay when it regulates away … More
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