¥Shields individuals & environment from irresponsible acts of others
¥Second law of thermodynamics often makes complete prohibition both practically and
economically infeasible
¥Òtests the ropesÓ of the
politically feasible
¥Risks Òpolitical backlashesÓ
¥May not be optimal, i.e., natural biogeochemical processes can absorb some residuals
¥Requires strong sense of legitimacy & significant financial & personnel resources to
enforce prohibitions