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The Economics of Environmental Law Enforcement or Has the Prosecution of Polluters Led to Cleaner Rivers in England and Wales?

Author

Listed:
  • D J Storey

    (Centre for Environmental Studies, 62 Chandos Place, London WC2N 4HH, England)

Abstract

Improvements in the quality of the waterways of England and Wales are often argued to be attributable to the cooperation between Authorities and dischargers, and that such cooperation could be jeopardized if prosecution of dischargers became more frequent. This paper, by using an economic model of law enforcement, tests whether there is any evidence of an association between enforcement policies and changes in water quality. It demonstrates the difficulty of examining problems of enforcement in isolation and then outlines a new procedure, both for allocating and for enforcing consents, designed to improve economic efficiency whilst maintaining traditional British cooperation.

Suggested Citation

  • D J Storey, 1979. "The Economics of Environmental Law Enforcement or Has the Prosecution of Polluters Led to Cleaner Rivers in England and Wales?," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 11(8), pages 897-918, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:11:y:1979:i:8:p:897-918
    DOI: 10.1068/a110897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carr-Hill, R. A. & Stern, N. H., 1973. "An econometric model of the supply and control of recorded offences in England and Wales," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 2(4), pages 289-318.
    2. Ehrlich, Isaac, 1975. "The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: A Question of Life and Death," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 65(3), pages 397-417, June.
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