Ruminations

Got the following from a bit of commercial e-mail that I received today:

 Though many policymakers have argued that environmental regulations can negatively impact an organization's bottom line, a new study by George Mason University researcher Nicole Darnall shows that companies that develop green production processes can not only offset the costs of regulations, but can also reap further benefits.

The study, which looked at more than 2,600 manufacturing facilities operating in seven different countries, showed that more stringent environmental policies are related to diminished company profits. However, organizations that improve their environmental performance by enhancing their internal efficiencies and developing new green products and technologies can offset the cost of regulation or even accrue a net gain.

Interesting idea.  Rather than viewing this as an argument for tighter regulation though, I think this is actually an excellent argument for letting free market forces move companies toward greener regulations and more enviro-friendly future.