Not One Without the Other: The Challenge of Integrating U.S. Environment, Energy, Climate, and Economic Policy
32 Pages Posted: 26 Apr 2014 Last revised: 12 Jun 2015
Date Written: April 24, 2014
Abstract
Energy use is intertwined with environmental harms, climate, and economic development. However, the United States has failed to balance these interests together to make effective policy that can address each of these issues. The need for such integrative policy has become more and more obvious over time and with the added challenges of climate change. This essay reviews the historic challenge of integrating these policies, and by reviewing the policy core of prior statutes and policy debates, identifies principles which could guide a legislative body in attempting to integrate these issues successfully. The essay also notes the politicization of these issues and discusses possible paths forward from this gridlock.
Keywords: integrated policy, energy policy, environmental policy, environment, energy, climate, climate change, climate change policy, economic development, legislation
JEL Classification: H11, H23, H40, H41, I31, K23, K30, K32, Q20, Q25, Q28, Q40, Q48
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation