Toxic Loopholes: Failures and Future Prospects for Environmental Law

Description

Like most Americans I'd like to believe that the EPA is looking out for my health and protecting me from air and water borne hazards. I want to think that if something was really bad, it wouldn't be allowed. But if that were so, why are the reports about the continuing environmental decline of our air, water and land so frightening and heartbreaking 40 years after the formation of the EPA? Collins tells about people who have been grievously affected by the lack of protection from toxins and explains why and how they could come to be so harmed. I appreciate the accessible style of this book, with its clear explanations and understandable language while still thoroughly explaining the historical, legal and political journey that has gotten us to this state of environmental chaos, as well as his non-partisan stance that it is the system that protects environmental scofflaws and not just one party. In the last chapter, Toxic Loopholes highlights the roadblocks to a cooperative climate agreement and examines the prospects for overcoming them. In his conclusion, Toxic Loopholes speaks of the importance of adopting the precautionary principle which forces industry to bear the burden of proving that a substance is safe, instead of using the substance until it is proved that harm has been caused. As Collins asks, "Can we create a society that meets our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same?"