The best way to protect the environment is through strong enforcement of property rights and pursuit of sound economic policy.

Wealthier nations have cleaner environments because their citizens can afford to pay for it voluntarily. Imposing environmental standards through federal government mandates is not a practical substitute.

No matter what the government requires, Americans can’t buy clean technologies or follow environmental policies they can’t afford.

Government should punish businesses and individuals that pollute the land, water, or air of their neighbors, but it should not micromanage environmental protection through payouts, tax breaks, or subsidies, which discourage innovation and mostly benefit the politically connected.