Environmental Policy and Energy Sources

The struggle in environmental policymaking stems from the desire to protect human health and the environment while avoiding costs for businesses.
There is widespread support for environmental policies in principle, but public opposition often arises against specific measures (e.g., gasoline taxes, restrictions on land development).

Post-Industrial Revolution, pollution was viewed as an unavoidable consequence of economic progress. However, rising awareness led to a movement for environmental protection in the 1960s and 70s.
Environmental groups grew in membership and began influencing lawmakers and educating the public about environmental issues.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established by President Nixon in 1970.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (1969) requires federal agencies to file Environmental Impact Statements for disruptive projects, allowing public feedback to mitigate environmental harm.
The NEPA’s effectiveness diminished under the Trump administration, affecting public reviews for infrastructure projects.

Clean Air Act (1970): A landmark legislation that substantially reduced air pollution; however, the auto industry has sought to weaken fuel emission standards.
Water Pollution Control Act (1972): Effective in cleaning water bodies; it only regulates point source pollution, not runoff. Regulations were weakened in recent years under Trump.
Endangered Species Act (1973): Intended to protect endangered species irrespective of economic impacts; altered under Reagan and Trump administrations, allowing exceptions for national interests.

UN scientists warned that about 1,000,000 species are at risk of extinction largely due to human activity.
Superfund established in 1980 to manage cleanup of hazardous waste sites, holding polluters accountable regardless of legalities at the time of dumping; over 1,200 sites have been remedied.

Concerns about nuclear waste storage remain unresolved; current storage solutions are temporary due to lack of permanent facilities.
Current nuclear waste is stored in temporary locations; long-term solutions needed due to the waste’s long decay periods.

Fossil fuel consumption releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming and environmental degradation.
The Paris Agreement (2015) aimed to limit carbon emissions; the US withdrew under Trump but rejoined under Biden in 2021.

The US primarily relies on fossil fuels (81% of total energy). Only about 12% comes from renewable sources (hydroelectric, wind, etc.).
Coal, though abundant, is the dirtiest fossil fuel and contributes significantly to air pollution.
Oil is crucial for transportation (25% of US energy), while natural gas (35%) has gained prominence in electricity generation.

The US has become energy independent due to advancements in hydraulic fracking, increasing domestic production.
Environmental implications of fracking are hotly debated, and regulations can change depending on the administration in power.

Nuclear power provides about 19% of US electricity and is controversial due to waste management issues and the potential for catastrophic accidents.
Technological advancements in nuclear energy could offer cleaner energy solutions if political and economic interests align.

Various renewable sources contribute approximately 17% of US energy. Wind energy is among the fastest-growing.
Americans are reluctant to make sacrifices for energy efficiency despite technological advancements.

The public actively expresses concerns to elected officials about health care and environmental protections; interest groups play a role in informing the public and policymakers.
Although there is concern about government size, the expectation remains that the government will protect health from pollution and ensure affordable energy.

As environmental challenges intertwine with health and energy policies, government involvement is likely to persist, addressing complex societal demands regarding safety and sustainability.