Sophisticated Sabotage: The Intellectual Games Used to Subvert Responsible Regulation

by Thomas O. McGarity, David Bollier, Sidney A. Shapiro

Sophisticated The Intellectual Games Used to Subvert Responsible Regulation explores regulatory cost-benefit analysis, quantitative risk assessment, the monetization of intangible values, comparative risk assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis, and related sub-disciplines. By explaining the arguments advanced by supporters of these tools, and discussing contrary views through short excerpts from the literature, Sophisticated Sabotage describes how dubious risk assessment and economic models have come to dominate regulatory decisionmaking and now stymie urgently needed health, safety and environmental protections. Each excerpt is thoroughly explained and previewed. Each chapter concludes with an extensive annotated listing of further readings. The authors are leading experts in administrative and environmental law.

265 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Thomas O. McGarity is Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Professor in Administrative Law at the University of Texas School of Law and former attorney-advisor in the Office of General Counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. He is author of Bending Science, The Preemption War, and Freedom to Harm, as well as articles in the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, and The American Prospect. He is a past president of the Center for Progressive Reform.