In water pollution, nonpoint sources pose the major problem, yet the current system still focuses on point sources. Indoor air pollution is the major health threat for most people, but the system focuses on outdoor air pollution. These are two of the most egregious examples, but by no means the only ones. The basic goal of the system, however, is to reduce risk. The inefficiency of the current control system goes beyond focusing on the wrong targets.
Prevention is often preferable, both environmentally and economically.
The system also is excessively prescriptive, telling sources how to control pollution instead of setting a goal and allowing flexibility in how to meet it. There is ample evidence that the prescriptive approach adds large sums to the cost of control, money that comes from taxpayers' pocketbooks and that is not buying anything. The costs of controlling pollution are borne largely by the private sector. Direct EPA expenditures are a small portion of the cost. More efficient EPA regulations, however, could reduce costs paid by all parties as well as reducing the intrusiveness of the control system.