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Implementing the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990: Leading Firms to Stewardship

Discover the importance of the P2 Act in overcoming obstacles like inertia and regulatory challenges. Learn the adoption process and how EPA and states drive P2 technology diffusion. Understand characteristics of early adopters, mainstream businesses, and laggards. Find strategies for advancing pollution prevention tailored to different firm types.

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Implementing the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990: Leading Firms to Stewardship

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  1. Implementing the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990Leading Every Firm to Stewardship John Calcagni & Dan Ahern US EPA Region IV Environmental Summit, Atlanta GA May 9, 2006

  2. Why Do We Need the P2 Act? In a perfect economically efficient world, adoption of source reduction strategies would be complete and immediate.

  3. Why Do We Need the P2 Act? In this world significant obstacles exist: • Inertia • Need for Capital • Lack of Knowledge/Expertise • Customer/Product Specs • Regulatory Obstacles

  4. The Adoption Process

  5. The Adoption Process

  6. Role of EPA and States in Developing P2 Solutions • Sponsor Research (e.g. DfE) • Provide and Support Forums to Create Partnerships (e.g. GSN, H2E, Green Hotels) • Nurture New P2 Technology by: • Providing Accurate Information • Verifying Vendor Claims (e.g.ETV) • Allowing for P2 Solution in New Rules

  7. Role of EPA and States in Marketing P2 Solutions Once the P2 technology exists, States and EPA primary mission is to: Accelerate the Diffusion of P2 Technology in the Marketplace Different strategies work best with different types of firms States and EPA need to tailor their efforts to address these differences

  8. Characteristics of Early Adopters Strong environmental ethic and/or seeking technological competitive edge Use environment to distinguish their products from competitors Recognize value in being first to market Recognize and value P2 vs. abatement

  9. Characteristics of Early Adopters (Cont.) Technically competent Integrate EMS into strategic plan Value autonomy and ability to move quickly Willing to undertake “risky venture” but desire understanding if it fails

  10. Interests of Early Adopters Access to Senior Policy Makers Permitting flexibility Recognition

  11. Characteristics of Mainstream Businesses More sensitive to risk of change than its rewards Believe their operations are “efficient” Get most tech and regulatory information from trade associations and vendors Don’t want to be the first or last to adopt new technology

  12. Characteristics of Mainstream Businesses (Cont.) Consider themselves good environmental citizens if they comply with the rules EMS adopted because of external needs Cost/Benefit decisions made based on quantifiable benefits only Production Manager/Owner makes all important decisions

  13. Interests of Mainstream Businesses Remaining in compliance Remaining competitive Not taking “foolish” risks Addressing Action Forcing Events

  14. Characteristics of Laggards No appreciation or understanding of environmental issues Limited technical capability Proponents of “If it isn’t broken don’t fix it” No or limited capital availability Disproportionately small businesses

  15. Interests of Laggards Addressing crises as they happen Limiting capital expenditures Avoiding change Staying “below the regulatory radar”

  16. Strategy for Advancing Pollution Prevention Target specific sectors or industries Target Early Adopters first Address Mainstream with incentives until tipping point (20-30% penetration) is reached Change emphasis to regulatory/permitting compliance Move to enforcement for Laggards

  17. Base P2 Program Once a problem is targeted: • Web Outreach and Technical Assistance • Publish and promote Case Studies • Coordinate with regulatory, enforcement, and permitting programs • Promote EMS

  18. The Adoption Process

  19. The Adoption Process

  20. Encourage Early Adopters Stewardship Awards Advisory Committee Membership Regulatory and Permitting Flexibility Access to Senior Management

  21. The Adoption Process

  22. The Adoption Process

  23. Encourage First 20-30% ofMainstream Trade Assn/Vendor Outreach Customer Outreach Demonstration grants Tax Credits Regulatory Flexibility

  24. The Adoption Process

  25. The Adoption Process

  26. Push Rest of Mainstream Supplement Base P2 program with: • Regulatory Compliance • Permitting Requirement • EMS Programs • Enforcement/SEP

  27. The Adoption Process

  28. The Adoption Process

  29. Enforce Against Laggards Target Inspections Provide SBA and Compliance Assistance Enforcement Action

  30. Measurement Pounds Reduced a weak but only reasonably available indicator Publicly available Gov’t data too late to be useful Trade assn and trade press data best for measuring progress Anecdotal data from sources useful for setting benchmarks for individual firms

  31. Conclusions Most of these methods have been applied and shown to be effective. Targeting in an integrated and comprehensive manner will increase effectiveness. Greatest needs are: improved coordination with media specific programs and development of useable and real-time benchmarks and measures of progress.

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