Final answer:
Administrative law is what protects business owners like Gabriel from government overreach. It ensures fair rule-making and enforcement by government agencies. Additionally, pollution taxes and government policies on competition and deregulation showcase the role of the government in promoting environmentally friendly business practices and a competitive market.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gabriel is researching what regulatory law encompasses public laws and regulations, particularly because he is concerned about potential overtaxing from the state government due to the nature of his recycling business. The law that protects business owners like Gabriel during interactions with the government is administrative law. This area of law encompasses regulations pertaining to government agencies' rule-making and enforcement procedures, ensuring businesses are not subjected to arbitrary or unjust actions.
The concept of a pollution tax, such as the refundable charge for returning recyclable cans and bottles, is an example of how the government creates incentives for environmental protection. This approach promotes recycling and reduces littering, proving to be more flexible and cost-effective compared to traditional command-and-control regulation which imposes specific limits and technologies on businesses.
All market-based economies, including Gabriel's recycling business, must navigate a complex landscape of laws and regulations. These laws are crucial for ensuring contract enforcement, tax collection, and the protection of health and the environment. Government policies, including those related to antitrust matters, natural monopoly regulations, and deregulation, play a significant role in fostering a competitive environment, emphasising the government's role in enhancing market incentives.