Newsletters
By Richard Eidlin
Voluntary corporate sustainability initiatives and social enterprises are essential but are not game-changers by themselves. In addition, we need laws and regulations that guide our economy toward sound, long-term decision-making, with full recognition of social and environmental externalities. As business leaders, we can and must support policy changes to help make the economy more sustainable.
A sustainable economy will depend on policies that will help advance change on a societal level. Here are three important policies that will help – and specific actions you can take.
But some business interests including agri-business are lining up to fight the proposal and pushing Congressional leaders to argue against it.
Contrary to claims by lobby groups opposed to the new rules, the rules do not give the EPA new authority not already granted to it by the Clean Water Act. Also, by basing the rules on sound science, EPA has tried to remove politics from its efforts to protect our water.
Cik added, ““The public is increasingly becoming educated about the risks of consumer products containing untested toxic chemicals. Consumers deserve access to transparent information and full disclosure regarding the products that they buy.”
Business owners need to keep the pressure on Congress to ensure that concerns with the legislation are addressed.
Many businesses applaud the proposed standards on coal, but many do not. The fossil fuel industry has demonstrated that it will fight hard before, and is geared up to fight again.
Policy Points is produced by the American Sustainable Business Council. The editor is Richard Eidlin, Director – Public Policy and Business Engagement.
The <a href="http://asbcouncil.org">American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC)</a> is a network of companies and business associations. Its column, Policy Points, identifies public policies where a business voice, grounded in principles of innovation, fairness and environmental stewardship, can make an essential difference in the advocacy process. The goal is to arm readers with information and specific actions to take. As business leaders, we can and must support policy change to help make the economy more green and sustainable. The column editor is Richard Eidlin, ASBC's Vice President - Public Policy and Business Engagement.
We're compiling all data!