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Full-Text Articles in Law
How Environmental Review Can Generate Pollution: A Case Study, Michael Lewyn
How Environmental Review Can Generate Pollution: A Case Study, Michael Lewyn
Michael E Lewyn
State environmental review statutes often require state and local governments to draft an environmental impact statement for any project or permit that might have a substantial environmental impact. One such statute, New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) defines “environmental impact” broadly to include not only traditionally environmental impacts such as pollution, but also social impacts such as increased neighborhood population. As a result, any large-scale development is likely to require environmental review under SEQRA.
In my article, I argue that such stringency harms air quality by discouraging infill development (that is, development in already-urbanized areas). Such development is …
How Comprehensive Planning Makes Suburbia More Sprawling, Michael Lewyn
How Comprehensive Planning Makes Suburbia More Sprawling, Michael Lewyn
Michael E Lewyn
Many commentators associate comprehensive land use planning with smart growth- but in fact, municipal plans can be used to further sprawl as well as smart growth.
Plans Are Not Enough, Michael Lewyn
Plans Are Not Enough, Michael Lewyn
Michael E Lewyn
Some commentators see comprehensive municipal plans as a remedy for suburban sprawl. But in fact, a plan can be used to promote sprawl as well as to prevent sprawl.
Seqra And Infill, Michael Lewyn
Seqra And Infill, Michael Lewyn
Michael E Lewyn
New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) is designed to protect the environment by requiring government to consider the harmful environmental impacts of its actions. However, SEQRA itself may create environmental harm by discouraging infill development.
Why (And How) Conservatives Should Support Smart Growth, Michael Lewyn
Why (And How) Conservatives Should Support Smart Growth, Michael Lewyn
Michael E Lewyn
Conservatives have generally been critical of the smart growth movement, because they often fear that smart growth is synonymous with overregulation of land use. This article explains why sprawl threatens conservative values, and suggests conservative-friendly smart growth policies that can both make government less intrusive and make America more walkable.