ViewPoint Conservative versus Liberal of pollution control (though he does support policies Economists often make decisions about environmen- that utilize the market place, including marketable tal matters on noneconomic grounds, as they do with certain other issues (such as drugs) discussed in this pollution permits and carbon offsets). Conservatives, on the other hand, want to limit the book. It is possible for both liberal and conservative economists to care deeply about the environment. role of government in the economy. They are conse- quently more likely than liberals to oppose environ- Because liberals are not necessarily averse to gov- emment intervention in the economy and the regula- mental regulation. They will be more likely to favor tion of private businesses, they generally wish to see pollution control policies that utilize market forces government take an active role in protecting the envi- rather than other methods. Thus, they favor pollution ronment. As such, liberals may well favor standards fees and marketable pollution permits over the regula- regulation, as well as policies drafted at the national tion of pollution by means of standards. Conservatives and international levels. Liberals may well take the may also prefer state and local solutions to environ- position that we should do whatever it takes to get mental problems over policies developed at the federal the job done and not worry about the government's and international levels. They, like former president expanding role in the economy. As you know, Presi- George W. Bush, may also prefer voluntary compli- dent Barack Obama has taken a strong stand in favor ance of industry over forced compliance.