5.13
The EPA, the Sierra Club and the Senate committee on Environment and Public Works form an iron triangle or policy network. The EPA is responsible for regulating the pollutants in our environment. The Sierra Club is a PAC with a strong interest in curbing pollution and protecting the environment. The Senate committee on Environment and Public Works passes laws that concern the environment and the EPA enforces them ("Senate"). These three entities are inter-dependent on each other. The EPA has to strike a balance between regulations and safety. If it makes regulations too tough, it discourages businesses. If it goes too soft on regulation, then it could jeopardize public safety. The Sierra Club, on the other hand, does not have to worry about pleasing other businesses. Its sole purpose is environmental conservation regardless of how it affects other businesses. The Senate committee on Environment and Public Works, like the EPA, is influenced not only by the interest groups, but also by the concerns of the committee members' constituents. The Sierra Club is a strong supporter of Democratic candidates. It has supported a number of Democratic Senators who sit on the Environment and Public Works committee including Tom Udall, Mazie K. Hirono and Bernard Sanders ("Open Secrets"). In fact, they have a web page devoted to politics and elections on their website urging their supporters to get involved in helping elect candidates who they favor ("Sierra Club"). The Sierra Club watches every move the EPA makes to gauge how it affects the environment. By donating money to Senators that sit on the Environment and Public Works committee, it can influence the type of legislation that is pushed through Congress. The EPA has to work to ensure that the Senators who are in charge of passing environmental legislation are considerate of it. And finally, the Senators must strike a balance between what interest groups like the Sierra Club demand and the effects those demands have on businesses and environments in their states. These three organizations are tied together and continually strive to balance each other’s interests.
Works Cited
"Politics & Elections." Sierra Club National. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2013. <https://content.sierraclub.org/politics-elections>.
"Politics & Elections." Sierra Club National. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2013. <https://content.sierraclub.org/politics-elections>.
"U.S Senate Committee." U.S Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2013. <http://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Members.Home>.