How 'green' is this Bush going to be?

• Author: PILKO, GEORGE
• Position: George W. Bush - Brief Article

As the President's environmental agenda plays out, be watchful -- and continue to be proactive.

WHERE DOES THE Bush White House stand on the environment? What effect will Senator Jeffords' GOP defection have on environmental policy? What could it mean for your company?

Even as this article is being written, events are moving so fast there is no way of knowing the answers to these questions. However, anyone who thought that the new President would proceed cautiously has been in for a big surprise! On many fronts, George W. Bush has moved boldly, not waiting to develop popular support for his decisions. For example, he has made major shifts in policy on environmental issues, such as stepping away from the Kyoto Protocol, infuriating Europe. He has proposed an energy policy primarily focused on increasing energy supplies, infuriating environmentalists.

But, take a step back and see what has happened so far. In addition to withdrawing from the Kyoto talks and proposing an energy-industry-friendly National Energy Policy, the new administration has taken the following actions: backed off of requiring power plants to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide; halted tightened restrictions on arsenic in drinking water; supported drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; moved to cut the EPA's budget; and set up a task force to reconsider enforcement of pollution laws for refineries.

Is it any wonder that some industry executives are celebrating? Having supported the Bush candidacy, they feel they should now reap the rewards for their efforts. But some celebrants may get too carried away. In post-election "euphoria," some companies are considering backing away from their strategies of becoming more environmentally proactive. They are taking a "relax, there's a conservative in the White House" approach. But is that really wise, considering recent events?

While President Bush has reversed the previous administration's position on some emerging environmental issues, the recent change in Senate leadership greatly increases the difficulty he now faces in pursuing his agenda on regulatory reform. Remember, new incumbents want two things: to move their agenda ahead and to be reelected. That just got tougher.

Although dumping the Kyoto treaty, Bush recently endorsed a treaty seeking worldwide phase-out of 12 toxic chemicals. His words in supporting the Clinton-era treaty: "The risks are great and the need for action is clear." In upholding regulations...