West European Institutional Arrangements for Environmental Policy Implementation—Especially Air and Water Pollution Control

Abstract

A comparative study of institutional arrangements for the implementation of environmental policies serves several purposes. First, it provides a better understanding of the governmental systems of the respective countries which are examined. Second, it provides a basis for the potential formulation of more effective environmental protection policies; this can be accomplished through a detailed analysis of the implementation efforts of countries which experience similar environmental problems, but may use different implementation strategies to deal with such problems. Third, it prompts the analyst to consider the effect of varying political cultures on the policy implementation process (Enloe, 1975). Fourth, such study often identifies the need for greater harmonization of environmental laws between different countries (Lutz, 1975). In sum, such study can reveal the key relationships between governmental structures and environmental policies which account for successful policy implementation (Lundqvist, 1974).