Discuss the evolution of U.S. environmental policy over the past 50 years. How has U.S. environmental policy changed over the years (use the following time periods: pre-1960s, mid-1960s to 1970s, 1980s to early 2000s, and currently)? Why have these changes occurred?

What will be an ideal response?

Prior to the 1960s, environmental policy was mostly concerned with regulating natural resources, and the environment was not a prominent concern in society. However, the public became aware of concerns about pollution, which led to a time period in the late 1960s to 1970s of much activity, where many command-and-control–oriented regulations addressed pollution and human health issues. In the 1980s, more conflict arose regarding the cost of these regulatory policies and their impact on stifling business and the economy. Deep cuts were made to environmental agency budgets. This led to attempts of at regulatory reform and the movement to attempt to consider cost (efficiency) more explicitly in the development of environmental policies in the 1980s and 1990s, although they were largely ineffective. The early 2000s continued to be a time of incremental policy reform, growing conflict between the parties, and policy gridlock. Many of these conflicts continue to this day. However, the Obama administration has found ways to accomplish environmental goals without having to pass laws, through enforcing existing regulations, such as the CAFÉ standards and clean air legislation.