How federal environmental rules discourage cleanup of abandoned mines

Throughout the West, abandoned mines release toxic pollutants, harming water quality, fish, and recreation opportunities. The private sector has long … More

Endangered species bear the costs of bad incentives

The Endangered Species Act imposes significant regulatory burdens on anyone who owns land where endangered and threatened species or their … More

Federal judge in environmental nuisance case: “Less fortunate citizens have property rights, too.”

A $100 million case against North Carolina hog farms demonstrates the critical role property rights play in protecting the environment … More

As fire risks rise, California limits insurers’ ability to react

For California, 2019 was a welcome reprieve from recent record-setting wildfire seasons. According to Cal Fire, approximately 260,000 acres burned … More

How property rights can help address environmental justice concerns

South Florida, like many coastal communities, faces tough decisions about how to adapt to changing coast lines and rising seas. … More

Should every cat owner, car owner, and home owner be a potential criminal?

Billions of birds are killed every year in the United States, many of which are protected by the Migratory Bird … More

Will sea otters soon be returned to San Francisco bay?

California sea otters have come a long way from the 50-member population discovered off Big Sur in the early 1900s, … More

Should property rights give way if environmental cleanups seem too costly?

Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in Atlantic Richfield v. Christian, an important case concerning whether property owners … More

How do you measure the value of a state forest?

That’s the implicit question underlying a lawsuit between Oregon counties and the state, in which a jury recently awarded the … More

Should FEMA act as a national zoning board or use market incentives to reduce disaster risk?

Last week, a nominee to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency generated fireworks when, during his confirmation hearing, he said … More