Description
Book SynopsisThe use of legislation by EU governments to define environmental standards for industry has been criticised for its poor track record in arresting the decline in the quality of Europe''s environment. Environmental economists in particular have proposed that legislation should be supplemented or replaced by New Environmental Policy Instruments (NEPIs), such as eco-taxes, environmental charges, tradable permits and voluntary agreements. This book focuses on practical experiences with NEPIs in the EU and tests their application using the case study of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. It traces the ways in which member states have adapted NEPIs to suit their preferred styles of environmental policy, then assesses their performance and how NEPIs have both assisted and hindered the EU environmental programme. It suggests options for ensuring that the environmental programme does not become fragmented by the use of NEPIs and discusses the implications of EU enlargement.
Trade Review’For many years, the environmental wing of the economics profession has been deepening its theoretical analysis of economic instruments for environmental protection. However, the practical analysis of these same instruments has remained somewhat neglected. Ian Bailey has now provided a thorough and insightful analysis of the practical operation of such instruments. In so doing, he advances our understanding of this aspect of environmental policy from textbook theory through policy formulation and operation. Along the way, many lessons are learned that will be of great interest to all with an interest in both environmental policy and, more generally, public policy formulation.’ Dr Alan Barrett, Economic and Social Research Institute, Ireland ’This book is useful for those interested in the development of EU environmental policy and the implementation of economic instruments in doing so...This book is of great interest to policy-makers, environmentalists, and...the packaging industry...it is well organized, easy to consult...’ International Journal of Environment and Pollution ’...well-researched and carefully analysed case studies...the book is very well structured and academically crafted...this book makes a significant contribution in reality-checking the rationalist arguments made in the burgeoning environmental economics literature, and provides readers with a useful introduction to EU institutions and processes.’ The European Legacy
Table of ContentsContents: Introduction; EU environmental policy: political processes, NEPIs and policy implementation: Part 1 - environmental policy and politics in the EU; Part 2 - environmental policy instruments; The packaging waste directive; Recycling infrastructure in Britain and Germany; Corporate responses to environmental taxes and charges; NEPIs and EU environmental policy; Conclusions and prospects for the future; Bibliography; Index.
