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Path Dependency and the Implementation of Environmental Regulation

Author

Listed:
  • Elizabeth A Kirk

    (School of Law, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland)

  • Alison D Reeves

    (Geography, School of Social Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland)

  • Kirsty L Blackstock

    (Socio-Economics Research Programme, The Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, Scotland)

Abstract

The authors examine the implementation of environmental regulation and demonstrate that path dependency, created largely by resource constraints, narrows the range of options for implementing regulation. It also magnifies the impact of the institutional history of the regulatory body and the impact of the disciplinary commitments of those working within the regulatory body on the implementation process. It is shown that the result is that those involved in the implementation process are unable to consider all possible routes to implementation but, rather, only a relatively few ‘manageable’ options for the regulation of particular activities. The arguments are examined in the context of implementation of the Water Framework Directive 2000 (WFD) in Scotland. In particular the authors focus on the regulation of diffuse pollution under the WFD and on the role played by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in that regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth A Kirk & Alison D Reeves & Kirsty L Blackstock, 2007. "Path Dependency and the Implementation of Environmental Regulation," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 25(2), pages 250-268, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:25:y:2007:i:2:p:250-268
    DOI: 10.1068/c0512j
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arthur, W Brian, 1989. "Competing Technologies, Increasing Returns, and Lock-In by Historical Events," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 99(394), pages 116-131, March.
    2. Lustick, Ian, 1980. "Explaining the Variable Utility of Disjointed Incrementalism: Four Propositions," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 74(2), pages 342-353, June.
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