Chapter 10 Comparative analysis of alternative policy instruments

Conceptual issues in designing a policy to phase out metal-based antifouling paints on recreational boats in San Diego Bay

In marine areas throughout the world where recreational boats are densely located, concentrations of copper in the water are being found to be in excess of government standards, due to the hull coatings used on these boats. Copper-based hull coatings are intended to be antifouling in that they retard the growth of algae, barnacles and tubeworms; but alternatives exist that can eliminate the harm that copper contamination does to marine organisms. A variety of policy options are available to mandate or provide economic incentives to switch to these less harmful alternatives. This paper puts forth a conceptual framework for thinking about how to design and evaluate alternative policies to transition to nontoxic boat hulls, drawing from the authors' experience designing a policy for use in San Diego Bay. Many of the issues raised are broadly applicable to environmental problems where the solution involves a large-scale replacement of durable consumer goods.

Emission Trading in Theory and Practice: An Analysis of RECLAIM in Southern California

After the national Acid Rain Program, Southern California's tradeable permit system RECLAIM is the second comprehensive attempt in US environmental policy to create a workable system of tradeable permits. In this paper analyses of the most important regulations, of the environmental, legal, and economic background, and of the first results of this program are provided. The focus is on the conditions under which this instrument of environmental policy can be effective in practice.