Abstract
Normative economic theory cannot provide adequate explanations for the actual designs of environmental policies. Recently numerous studies that attempt to examine the determinants of the designs using public choice theory have emerged . The literature on the political economy of environmental policymaking process in the United States suggests that the characteristics of the U.S. political system - political competition among interest groups and presidential system under strictly separated powers - significantly influence the design of environmental policy. This paper describes the methodological characteristics and findings of such studies. Analysis of Japan's environmental policymaking process will require attention to the characteristics of Japanese political environment such as parliamentarism and limited political opportunities for environmental groups.
