The Influence of Green Groups on the Policy of the Essay Example For Students

The Influence of Green Groups on the Policy of the Essay United StatesThe Influence of Green Groups on the Policy of the United StatesAbstract: This research examines the relationship between environmental groupsand the policies of the United States. The United States political system hasbeen historically anthropocen-tric, or human centered. Environmental groupshave been attempting to change this to a biocentric or ecocentric viewpoint,which includes the rights of animals and the environment. These views arenature centered instead of human centered. This study will answer the questionof whether these groups have been effective at altering United States policies. This will be done through the study of views offered by both sides. Also, asurvey will be used to determine whether congressmen views are consistent withenvironmentalist views. It will also present whether policy change has takenplace, and if these changes have remained intact through the study of pastcongressional decisions. Research Problem1. Research QuestionHave environmental groups strategies been successful at altering the policiesof the United States?2. Rational for the ResearchThis research will help environmental groups to identify the effectiveness oftheir strategies. This is necessary for these groups to effectively alter thepolicies of the United States, which is one of the largest polluters in theworld. If their strategies are ineffective then it will be necessary for them toreassess their methods. Without the use productive methods these groups willnot be able to protect the environment. Animals, plants and the entireecosystem must have the same protection as humans have. An ecocentric viewpointestablishes the right of the environment to have legal standing. This givespeople the ability to defend the right of an animal to exist with the samerights as humans.Without this protection, people will be just as negativelyaffected as the environment. The earth must be thought of as a living organism ,if one part is hurt then the whole planet will feel the effects. Unfortunately,business and governments take the stance that the earth is more like a machine. That is, at times if a part is hurt it can be repaired, without it effecting thewhole system. Literature ReviewThe literature on environmental groups and their influence and activities isvast. Several themes concerning the groups influence in changing UnitedStates policy exist. The American Psychological Association has done studies onecocentric and anthropocentric attitudes (Thomas, 1994). Ecocentric values havearisen recently as environmental problems have come to the publics attention. Anthropocentric values have existed much longer. They have becomeinstitutionalized into our political and economic system. The movement toward environmental awareness arose in the political activism inthe 60s. Although these values have recently been declining according toFinger (1993). These biocentric and anthropocentric views are also examined byWildes (1995). Wildes also explains the beginning of the movement in the 60s,and the number of similar theories developed during the same era. In his studyhe applies neo-marxism to the relationship towards Man and Nature. By doingthis he shows how the government and industry uses the environment for its ownuse, often neglecting the resulting effects. Dodson (1995) examines if either of these opposing viewpoints offer plausibleanswers to current problems. Dodson also explains how the groups interact. Through this interaction they form political policy. Hampicke (1994) address thevulnerability of the species and ecosystems to permanent destruction. Alsoshown is how conserva-tion costs are not excessive as some in our governmentbelieve. Lichterman (1995) shows that green groups not only have problemsrelating towards our government, but also multicultural obstacles. Thesegroups must bring together several interests in order to form a unified strategyto present to the United States government. Environmental lobbyists have so far been unsuccessful in their efforts to amendexisting environmental laws. Chemical manufactur-ing and other industryslobbies have been able to block their efforts. They have used promising ofcampaign funding to influence Congress to support industries (Dowie, 1995). News in the Bay Area EssayThe lobbying efforts of green groups will also be studied by examining theirpolitical activities, which include lobbying and other forms of politicalpressure. If there is a change in the congressmens environmental positionsover a period of time this will need to be examined closely. The politicalpressure from environmental groups at the time of change will also need to beexamined. If there has been consistent change in congressmens views and pressure fromenvironmental groups at that time, then this will be considered as a positiveinfluence by the green groups. If there is a change in policy and no pressurefrom green groups is noticeable then the reasons should be deduced. Thereasoning behind this change could be used to help the environmental groups. If there has been no change in policy or policy has changed against theenvironment, then the methods used by green groups will not be seen aseffective. The importance of determining this is to give the groups anopportunity to change there methods in order to be more effective. Work ScheduleIt will take about one week to prepare the survey and mailing list. After thisthe results should be back within four to six weeks. While waiting for theresults, the voting record of congressmen will be examined. Also during thisperiod, recent lobbying efforts by environmental groups will be recorded. Itwill then take about two more weeks to compare the data. ReferencesAdams, John H. 1995. Breaking Faith. Amicus Journal. 17, 3: 2. Adams, John H. 1995. Special Report: Congress and the Environment. Amicus Journal. 17, 3: 3. Dodson, A. 1995. The Politics of Nature: Explorations in GreenPolitical Theory. New York, NY: Routledge. Dowie, Mark. 1995. Greens Outgunned. Earth Island Journal. 10, 2: 26. Finger, Matthias. 1992. The Changing Green Movement A Clarification. Researchin Social Movements, Conflicts and Change. 2: 229-246. Foley, Dana Nadel. 1995. A Congressional Sampler: Rollbacks, Rhetoric, andGreenbacks in the World of Washingtons Anti-Greens. Amicus Journal. 17, 3: 13. Hampicke, U. 1994. Ethics and Economics of Conservation. Biology ConservationJournal. 67, 3: 219-231. Henriques, Irene and Perry Sadorsky. 1996. The Determinants of anEnvironmentally Responsive Firm: An Empirical Approach. Journal of EnvironmentalEconomics and Management. 30, 3: 381. Lichterman, Paul. 1995. Piecing Together Multicultural Community: CulturalDifferences in Community Building among Grass-Roots Environmentalists. SocialProblems Journal 42, 4: 513-534. Paehlke, Robert. 1993. Environment/Equity: Tensions in North American Politics. Policy Studies Journal. 21, 4: 672. Thomas, Dietz. 1994. The Value Basis of Environmental Concern. Journal of SocialIssues. 50, 3: 65-84. Wildes, F. T. 1995. Recent Themes in Conservation Philosophy and Policy in theUnited States. Environmental Conservation Journal. 22, 2: 143-150. Survey1) What is your political affiliation?2) Which state do you represent?Please answer the following questions in terms of (1) for strongly agree to (10)for strongly disagree. 3) Should genetic engineering be allowed to increase the production of a farmeven if there is a slight risk to the environment?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 104) Should a nuclear power plant be allowed to be built to meet the local energyneeds of an area?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 105) Should there be mandatory recycling laws even though not all areas have anexisting recycling system?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 106) Should residents be allowed to set thermostat readings to desired levels eventhough it may use more energy?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 107) Should farmers be allowed to protect their livestock by hunting indigenouswild animals?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 108) Should public parks be open to increased mining or logging to spur theeconomy of an area?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 109) Should federal laws outlawing the possession of feathers or other parts ofbirds of prey be strictly enforced?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1010) Should industry be forced to reduce air and water pollution originating fromits factories even if it means loss of employees and reduced job opportunities?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011) Should the use of private automobiles be restricted in order to reduce airpollution?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1012) Should the government increase taxes on products that harm the environment?1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10History