The politics of PCBs‐a viewpoint: part i

Abstract

This paper deals with Canadian and American regulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as a hazardous substance. It is argued that PCB policy was initiated in response to a health crisis. Later the economic implications of strict crisis legislation became apparent and conflicts developed along these lines. This has made for a politically laden debate over scientific information, and a more cautious approach to political action on PCBs. This case study lends credibility to the broader thesis about the distinctive features of North American environmental politics, that (a) there is politically significant public concern where health issues are perceived; (b) governments respond to this but are compelled to act as promoters of a free enterprise economic system; (c) relevant economic interests tend to resist and deny the need for regulation. Environmentalism is a challenge to the status quo in that it raises the fundamental issue of accountability in economic practice. As will be demonstrated in Part Two, the complexity of the issue has exacerbated the controversy surrounding toxic pollution.