Search

Continued integration of the European Union calls for coordination among member states. While coordination implies achieving common goals, few specifications exist on the means to achieve desired outcomes. New EU member states enjoy flexibility in determining the pathway to environmental policy reform and this is reflected in their particular choices for the implementation of key EU environmental directives. One of the central debates in political science centers on the level of government: How much is enough? Does successful environmental protection require a laissez-faire or regulatory state? Who is involved in the decisionmaking and how does the mix of actors impact policy choices and outcomes? While Brussels is making decisions with an eye toward its member states, creative innovations are emerging at the state and local levels. Indeed, member states respond to Brussels, but the strength, timing, and type of response varies considerably across states. Several factors including historical experience, institutional processes, civil society, and geopolitical pull impact state responses and explain well why states have chosen particular paths for achieving common regional environmental protection goals. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trans-Atlantic relations are important in many areas of international environmental politics. Studies show that the status of these relations can both facilitate and hinder effective policy making and implementation. This paper examines trans-Atlantic relations on international chemicals management. The paper shows how EU and U.S. led policy developments on chemicals over the past decade have led to the creation of several multilateral treaties and organizations, as well as the expansion of existing programs. While they share a basic concern over hazardous chemicals, however, the European Union and the United States often disagree over specific regulatory issues and approaches. There are moreover signs that ongoing European efforts to expand Community chemicals assessment and regulation are resulting in growing EU-U.S. controversy over the future direction of chemicals management. Specifically, the EU and the U.S. disagree on regulatory, financial and market based issues relating to chemicals and their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]