Center for the Environment
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Launched in 2003, WPC's Center for the Environment focuses on free-market solutions for environmental issues. It brings balance to the environmental debate and promotes the concept that human progress and prosperity work in a free economy to protect the environment. It is a resource for Northwest residents concerned about the environment and is a clearing-house for academic research from other think tanks and institutions. The Center for Environmental Policy offeres a unique and innovative persepctive on environmental policy. Along with Policy Brief, Policy Notes, Legislative Memos, and Opinion Editorials, the Center also issues a regular monthly publication called "Environmental Watch". |
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What's New
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About the Center
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Events
April Environmental Watch: The Hidden Costs of the Push for “Green Collar” Jobs
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Few environmental policies, especially related to climate change, are proposed these days without the claim that new government subsidies or regulations will create “green collar jobs.” Now advocates point to a growing “green” sector as evidence of these new jobs. A closer look, however, shows that these jobs are not new, but are merely replacing jobs that would have been created elsewhere. In many cases, these jobs are less efficient than the alternatives, reducing wages and the prosperity of working families. Renewable energy may have its merits, but claims that government mandates will create jobs are inaccurate and ignore many costs. Read April’s Environmental Watch online here >>
Promoting Personal Choice, Incentives and Investment to Cut Greenhouse Gases
During the 2008 legislative session, reducing greenhouse gases in an effort to combat climate change moved squarely to the top of the environmental policy agenda. One environmental activist, praising the government-centered approach adopted by the legislature said the purpose of the strategy was “remaking the economy of the nation, the whole globe.” While there is still debate about the risks associated with climate change, there is a strategy Washington can follow that doesn’t rely on politically-oriented decisions and attempts to force lifestyle choices. By providing tax incentives for capital investment combined with a carbon tax offset by reductions in sales taxes, Washington can increase economic investment, benefit from the jobs created by investment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions more effectively and efficiently than the current political approach. This alternative creates incentives to reduce the use of carbon-intensive energy while harnessing the creative economy that is at the heart of what Washington state does best. Read the full study online here >>
Celebrate Earth Day by giving up eco-fads
Eastside Business Journal (Bellevue),
The Center for the Environment
Launched in 2003, WPC's Center for the Environment focuses on free-market solutions for environmental issues. It brings balance to the environmental debate and promotes the concept that human progress and prosperity work in a free economy to protect the environment. It is a resource for Northwest residents concerned about the environment and is a clearing-house for academic research from other think tanks and institutions. The Center for Environmental Policy offeres a unique and innovative persepctive on environmental policy. Along with Policy Brief, Policy Notes, Legislative Memos, and Opinion Editorials, the Center also issues a regular monthly
publication call "Environmental Watch."
Director Todd Myers
Todd Myers is the Director for WPC's Center for the Environment. He formerly served as Director of Communications for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and was Director of Public Relations for the Seattle SuperSonics and Director of Public Affairs for the Seattle Mariners. He has a Masters Degree from the University of Washington and has been the the Policy Center since 2004.
Contact Information
For questions or for more information from the Center for the Environment please e-mail tmyers@washingtonpolicy.org.