Final answer:
The adversarial nature of environmental policymaking in the US is characterized by the compromises made during the creation of command-and-control regulations due to lobbying by existing firms, leading to environmental laws with loopholes and exceptions. Groups also influence policy through media strategies and opinion polls. Cost-benefit considerations further complicate policy design, impacting the extent of regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adversarial nature of environmental policy making in the United States is evident through the challenging process of drafting command-and-control regulations. Legislators and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysts are tasked with creating these regulations, which inevitably leads to political compromises. Existing firms leverage their power to seek exemptions, arguing that new environmental standards should apply only to new entrants and not to them. This intense lobbying results in laws riddled with loopholes and exceptions.
Groups also play a significant role in public policy by framing debates and using media strategies to influence public opinion and decision-makers. These tactics were seen in action during the global warming discussions that followed the Kyoto summit. Additionally, environmental policies must consider the distribution of costs and benefits, often leading to the minimization of regulations due to constituent pressures.