Environmental Policy: New Directions for the Twenty-First Century

by Norman J. Vig (Editor)

Authoritative and trusted, Environmental Policy once again brings together top scholars to evaluate the changes and continuities in American environmental policy since the late 1960s and their implications for the twenty-first century. You will learn to decipher the underlying trends, institutional constraints, and policy dilemmas that shape today's environmental politics.

The Tenth Edition examines how policy has changed within federal institutions and state and local governments, as well as how environmental governance affects private sector policies and practices. The book provides in-depth examinations of public policy dilemmas including fracking, food production, urban sustainability, and the viability of using market solutions to address policy challenges. Students will also develop a deeper understanding of global issues such as climate change governance, the implications of the Paris Agreement, and the role of environmental policy in the developing world. Students walk away with a measured yet hopeful evaluation of the future challenges policymakers will confront as the American environmental movement continues to affect the political process.

Genres: Nonfiction, Political Science, Environment, School, Reference, Textbooks, History

456 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Norman J. Vig is Winifred and Atherton Bean Professor of Science, Technology, and Society, Emeritus, at Carleton College.

Reviews

[Erin Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening and instructive, at once disheartening and encouraging. There is so much work to be done. Even in the light of our current climate catastrophes, we as Americans have been privileged to be raised in a golden era of environmental protections for our clean air, water, and open spaces thanks to the fight for regulations established before we ever took breath. We cannot imagine a life without these until they are taken away like thieves in the night, by the select few in power incapable of understanding their value.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Note: this review is for what almost equates to a textbook ** But with that premise, it does a pretty good job of outlining environmental policy in America, the good, the bad and the ugly.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required reading for me in grad school but I decided to read it again for fun. It's scholarly, but reads more like normal non-fiction. It focuses on the 2000s, unlike some of the other books I've had to read which gave more of a history of environmental policy. This book focuses on the present, while filling you in on how the past contributed to current events. The edition I read left off after Trump's first year, which helped the narrative lens of a sense of urgency.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with most of my environmental readings, this is depressing. It is, however, a really good, comprehensive take on the state of American environmental policy. The authors did their best to remain neutral (from a party standpoint) while also presenting the facts of policy initiatives from various administration. Overall a pretty easy read for a topic-intense nonfiction book.

[Cela McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly articulated, well organized, relevant and unbiased information. Lost a star because it was slightly redundant and because there were a few very boring spots I had to read on a time crunch but that’s the nature of the best.

[Kristof Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read the tenth edition

[Everett Dalesio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t know why I decided to buy and read this. I didn’t need it for a class. I just wanted to read it for fun but it wasn’t fun. It was boring. I learned a little but it was so painful to get through I don’t remember much of it at all. This one is on me.

[millimiles · Rating 1 out of 5]

forced reading. boring

[Inessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

great technical book. easy to read, super engaging and way more information than you know what to do with. this is one of the most politically-balanced policy books i have ever read.

[Zoa Schescke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, very insightful and interesting.

[Mills College Library]

363.70097 E6179 2016

[Tri · Rating 3 out of 5]

good