Relative Efficiency of Voluntary Versus Mandatory Environmental Regulations, The

JunJie Wu, Bruce A. Babcock
November 1996  [96-WP 172]

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Suggested citation:

Wu, J. and B.A. Babcock. 1996. "Relative Efficiency of Voluntary Versus Mandatory Environmental Regulations, The." Working paper 96-WP 172. Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University.


Abstract

When the government wants farmers to adopt a certain management practice on environmentally sensitive land, it can mandate adoption, with fines for noncompliance, or use a stewardship program, with incentives for those who comply. The Federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 1996 (FAIR) continues the tradition of voluntary programs. An analysis by the authors outlines the conditions under which these voluntary programs are more efficient than mandatory ones.