Impacts of U.S. Environmental Regulations on Industry
Mengyu Wang (SKBI) | Oct 2025 |
This paper analyzes the impacts of U.S. environmental regulations on industry, focusing on command-and-control environmental regulations (CCER) and market-based environmental regulations (MBER). Drawing on empirical data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spanning over four decades, we examine key legislation such as the Clean Water Act (CWA), Clean Air Act (CAA), and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), while also discussing more recent frameworks like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Our findings suggest that, although penalties under CCER contribute to immediate compliance, they often fail to elicit long-term changes in corporate behavior. In contrast, MBER, exemplified by the IRA, encourages investments in green technologies and promotes a shift toward sustainable practices. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies, including Volkswagen's violations of the Clean Air Act and BP's breach of the Clean Water Act, this study evaluates how regulatory penalties incentivize firms to adopt greener practices, reduce environmental harm, and foster a stronger culture of compliance within industries. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a multifaceted regulatory approach that balances corporate responsibility, cost-efficiency, and environmental protection.
Regulatory Impacts on US Hazardous Waste Exports
Mengyu Wang (SKBI) | Oct 2025 |
This paper examines the impact of key domestic and international regulations on US hazardous waste exports, focusing on shifts in export destinations and waste types from 2002 to 2023. Since 2005, OECD countries and US Trade Agreement Partners have become primary destinations for US hazardous waste, with significant surges after 2018 and a notable decline in 2022. An analysis of the regulatory landscape reveals that, while international frameworks such as the Basel Convention of 2021 have had a relatively limited impact on reducing US hazardous waste exports, domestic policies—particularly those in California—have more directly influenced export behaviors. Additionally, the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 has contributed by incentivizing the development of clean energy infrastructure, leading to increased battery production and recycling requirements, thereby impacting hazardous waste flows. The study also explores how the Paris Agreement indirectly influenced hazardous waste exports by accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, thus increasing demand for lead and battery recycling. This paper underscores the complexities of managing dangerous waste under fragmented regulations. It highlights the need for stronger global standards and investment in local recycling infrastructure to minimize environmental risks associated with waste exports.
