"Rinfret and Pautz's title offers a unique, concise, and highly readable overview of contemporary environmental policy and politics in the United States. It comes at an opportune time as longstanding policies and programs face more opposition than ever before from political ideologues and vested economic interests. What we most need at present is a clear understanding of the problems that we face, the most viable policy alternatives for addressing them, and the kinds of programs that offer the greatest promise. Students will find the authors' innovative coverage of the practical challenges of successful policy development and implementation a refreshing alternative to conventional texts." (Michael E. Kraft, Professor Emeritus, Political Science and Public and Environmental Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, USA) "Anyone interested in environmental policy will applaud this updated edition of US Environmental Policy in Action . In this engaging book, Rinfret and Pautz provide a careful and rich analysis of key policy developments in the field, but also explore how environmental policy is shaped through rulemaking, evolves during implementation, is influenced by interest groups and front-line staff in state environmental programs, and is evaluated. By doing so, students and scholars alike gain a greater appreciation for the context in which environmental policy occurs and the conditions under which it may succeed.

This outstanding book is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of environmental policy in the United States." (Denise Scheberle, Clinical Teaching Professor, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver, USA) "The second edition of US Environmental Policy in Action illustrates the challenging nature of environmental problem and the difficult choices confronting policymakers. The authors' most important contribution is to focus on those at the front lines of environmental policy--the rule writers, inspectors, businesses, and policy analysts, who are typically overlooked in the literature." (Robert Duffy, Professor, Political Science, Colorado State University, USA).