REDUCING TOXIC-CHEMICAL RELEASES AND TRANSFERS - EXPLAINING OUTCOMES FOR A VOLUNTARY PROGRAM

Relatively little is known about the possibilities and limitations of voluntary public program;. The so-called 33/50 Program for reducing re leases of certain toxic chemicals into the environment provides a usef ul instance for examination. In an investigation of toxics-reduction o utcomes, with states as units of analysis, economic and policy variabl es help to explain the results. In particular, channels and approaches used in communicating policy intentions are related to outcomes. Volu ntary programs can make a difference, but the details of execution, in cluding the extent and nature of field efforts, influence outcomes.