Is Decoupling Possible?
Yes! The Netherlands is the first nation on earth to have successfully decoupled economic development from environmental impacts. Sweden and Denmark and others in the European Union have adopted similar goals. If the Dutch can do it, so can the citizens of Oregon. For over 30 years the Dutch used a command-and-control environmental regulatory approach similar to ours. However, in the late 80s they realized that, despite their system, they had become one of the most polluted nations on earth. This shocking news led to the creation of a new, more efficient and effective “goal and outcome-based” approach which stimulated innovation within the private sector and communities. While the Dutch still have many problems, they have successfully begun the process of decoupling. The need for a new approach also holds true here in Oregon. The State Must Be A Prime Mover: Only Government Can Provide the Unified Mission and Overarching Framework Needed to Mobilize, Guide and Integrate Public, Private
