Environmental Economic Incentives

The economic incentives related to environmental policies were very interesting in this week's readings. The fact that states have implemented over 400 measures or "green taxes" means states see the opportunity to reduce environmental degradation and increase funding for environmental program management. States are taking measures to offer tax incentives to purchase low emission vehicles and offering low-interest loans to purchase recycling equipment. Ten states that cover 30% of the US population participate in the largest economic incentive which involves refundable taxes on beverage containers. These incentives coupled with the Green Wave Environmental Investment Initiative in California and other initiatives is encouraging. What better way to increase awareness and have states participate in environmental challenges than to provide fiscal incentives?

About Me

Hello my name is Martin Whitfield and I am a native of Phoenix, Arizona. I received a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management from Arizona State University in 1999. I'm finally winding down my course work towards a Masters of Public Adminstration and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. After the Spring semester I will only have two classes to complete before I graduate. I am currently in my eighth year of employment with the City of Phoenix and work in the Business & Properties Division for the Aviation Department. In my current role I manage several concession leases and from time to time work with our Planning and Environmental Division on some of my projects. I'm taking this class to fulfill an elective but thought it would be interesting to learn about environmental issues and some of the challenges my colleagues encounter on a day to day basis.