The Policy Consequences of Political Corruption: Evidence from State Environmental Programs*

In: Social science quarterly, Band 89, Heft 1, S. 258-271

Abstract

Objective. This study assesses the effect of political corruption on state environmental policy.Method. OLS regression analyses are used to determine if political corruption affects the strength of state environmental programs.Results. The results suggest that political corruption serves to systematically weaken state environmental programs. The effect of corruption is similar in magnitude to conventional explanations of environmental program strength, such as public environmentalism and state wealth. Its impact is particularly pronounced in states with strong organized manufacturing interests.Conclusion. Political corruption may systematically bias the substance of public policy.