Replies

I actually believe we need something like the EPA. There are externalities like pollution which are best handled by identifying them and limiting them rather than discouraging them through taxation or depending on class action lawsuits to resolve the issue.

Yes the EPA has become overly politicized. Yes it has become overbearing. Yes it sometimes depends on bad science.

What would you see as a viable alternative?

I live in LA. When I was young and Gov. Brown passed the legislation requiring catalytic converters on all cars I was dead set against it. There were rumors that the catalytic converters did more harm than good, that they were manufactured by one of Brown's relatives so it was just about graft, etc. However, decades later when all the old clunkers went on the junk heap the air is now much cleaner and more breathable.

Others have similar stories about rivers or lakes that would occasionally burn because of all the nasty crap floating there, but years later people swimming in those same rivers and lakes.

So the EPA, despite its best attempts to destroy capitalism, seems to have occasionally, if only accidentally made things better.