Forming Partnerships in Environmental Policy

Abstract

This article analyzes whether the move from direct government regulatory control of air pollution to the adoption of the Los Angeles RECLAIM (Regional Clean Air Incentives Market) emissions trading system, a more private form of air quality management, has indeed resulted in greater effectiveness and efficiency in an equitable and democratic manner as promised. The study begins with a brief description of RECLAIM and federal SO₂ emissions trading programs. The study then analyzes the concepts of effectiveness and efficiency in policy implementation and addresses whether the RECLAIM emissions trading scheme has been, as promised, effective and efficient. This is followed by an investigation of whether the RECLAIM system is equitable and democratic, both of which are concerns of those who are opposed to the adoption of emissions trading. Evidence from the SO₂ emissions trading program is also introduced at certain points in the analysis. The implications of the study's findings are reviewed at the end of the article.