Introduction

• Author: Frank B. Friedman
• Pages: 3-7

Chapter 1:

Introduction

This book was written to help managers deal with the complex problems

of environmental protection. Although the environmental protection

field arising from federal environmental law is only 35 years old, it is quite

complicated. I have been privileged to work in this field almost from its be-

ginning, first as a lawyer and then as a manager-lawyer. My work has taught

me many lessons, sometimes at considerable cost. In the hope that these les-

sons can benefit other managers, I have included in this book a wide variety of

practical hints based on the experiences of myself and others in finding cre-

ative solutions to complex environmental problems. The book also tries to

sort out industry concerns as to what types of regulations make sense, exam-

ine environmental programs that improve productivity and ensure environ-

mental compliance, look at the interaction of business with the community

and government, and perhaps dispel some of the myths surrounding industry

and its attitudes and motivations toward the environment.

Much of the book is based on my experiences at Elf Atochem North

America, Inc. (Ato, now Arkema) and my prior experiences at the Occiden-

tal Petroleum Corporation (OPC), although filled in substantially by further

experience as a consultant to a broad variety of industries. The book empha-

sizes program aspects that are generally applicable, rather than those unique

to Ato or Occidental. I have used these experiences to make the book more

specific, concrete, and—I hope—helpful. Therefore, my frequent refer-

ences to Ato’s and Occidental’s programs should not be taken as puffery,

but as illustrations of how companies use the principles of environmental

management. These principles apply to many different industries with var-

ied cultures.

Gus Speth, past president of the World Resources Institute, noted:

Important as pressure from environmentalists and governmental

direction are to stimulating change, in the end only the corporate

community can efficiently provide the necessary organization,

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