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The Dutch energy transition, a sustainability utopia? Perspectives of businesses and government regulators on the enforcement of environmental law in the Netherlands

Lucassen, D.E.R. (2021) The Dutch energy transition, a sustainability utopia? Perspectives of businesses and government regulators on the enforcement of environmental law in the Netherlands.

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Abstract:Purpose: Nationwide sustainability goals aiming to meet criteria set in the Paris Agreement were shaped into a variety of policies, summarized as ‘’the Dutch energy transition’’. Businesses' compliance with these environmental laws is vital in meeting the sustainability goals. Unfortunately, businesses’ compliance rates are still lacking. This paper tries to uncover the perspectives of businesses and government regulators on the feasibility of environmental laws and their enforcement to help understand their dynamics and aid governments in their efforts towards a more sustainable society. Method: In-depth interviews covering several topics such as environmental law complexity, compliance and role of the regulator were conducted among 9 business representatives and 17 representatives of regulatory agencies in the Netherlands. Results: Multiple perspectives on the enforcement of environmental law in the Netherlands were found. Ranging from the need to adopt a different role as enforcers to the complexity of energy laws. Furthermore, current intergovernmental dynamics seem to prohibit a strong and robust enforcement program, leading to an unlevel playing field. Conclusion: Findings show that the Dutch energy transition seems to be a poorly suited coordination mechanism towards swift societal change. Furthermore, (inter-)governmental dynamics play a vital role in environmental law enforcement. Lessons from transition management need to be re-examined to effectively shape the Dutch energy transition into a successful regulatory system towards a sustainable society.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
Omgevingsdienst Flevoland en Gooi- & Vechtstreek, Flevoland, Nederland
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies, 43 environmental science, 70 social sciences in general, 85 business administration, organizational science, 86 law, 88 social and public administration, 89 political science
Programme:Communication Studies MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/87905
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