New directions in Mexican environmental policy |
| |
Authors: | Stephen P Mumme Roberto A Sanchez |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Political Science, Colorado State University, 80523 Ft. Collins, Colorado, USA;(2) Urban and Environmental Studies, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, P.O. Box L, 92012 Chula Vista, California, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Since taking office 1 December 1988, Mexico's incumbent president, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, has introduced important innovations
in environmental policy that distinguish his administration from those of his predecessors. Greater administrative continuity,
improved regulatory capacity achieved through statutory change, focused priorities centering on pollution abatement in Mexico
City, and an aggressive search for external financing for pollution control are hallmarks of Salinas' approach. The success
of these environmental reforms depends heavily on economic recovery, however, and environmental policy still suffers from
underfunding, bureaucratic fragmentation, and heavy reliance on voluntarist enforcement mechanisms. Recently, U.S. congressional
debate on a proposed free trade agreement with Mexico has been a factor in spurring the Salinas government to take new antipollution
and conservation measures. Mexico's growing environmental movement is also an important force behind the government's new
responsiveness in environmental matters. The Salinas administration recognizes the issue's political salience and has sought
to defuse environmental criticism using a large arsenal of resources at its disposal. Salinas' environmental policy strategy
may thus be characterized as both proactive and reactive in nature. While the reforms are evidence that Mexico is beginning
to take environmental matters more seriously, economic recovery and sustained environmental activism remain vital to further
progress. |
| |
Keywords: | Environmental policy Environmental interest groups Mexico |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|