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Light-of-Aiur

How would Anarcho Capitalism deal with a situation like this?

Hi hi!

Quick introduction, before the meat of the question. I got into a bit of a row on another subreddit with someone over... well, quite a lot. The end of it was a cross-post to r/Shitstatistssay and general snobbishness from a downvote brigade.

However, someone from r/Anarcho_Capitalism was kind enough to actually try to engage in discussion, and I was intrigued. I've spent some time reading your FAQ and general information links in the sidebar, but still have a few reservations with AnCap ideology, one of which will be the central idea of my question.

I'm a Floridian, which is why this article from NPR about the current trouble facing my area's springs is a huge concern.

Read it if you like, but the gist of it is that the Florida aquifer (an aquifer system covering about 100,000 square miles through Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina) is being excessively pumped by farms and bottled water plants (Zephyrhills water comes from a town in Florida named, aptly, Zephyrhills) and polluted by runoff from farms, pastures, and home use of fertilizer.

This, in simplest terms, is really, really bad. It's bad for the unique environment, bad for endangered plants and animals, bad for the people living here, and bad for business. The lower fresh water pressure in the aquifer is leading to salt water invasion of wells, springs, and rivers; massive sinkholes are becoming more common in areas with very little sinkhole activity; and tourism, a primary source of income for many of the people here, is on the decline due in part to the polluted or underfed springs.

The state is now stepping in to help minimize the problem in the only way it knows how: passing more laws and increasing taxes and fees on pollution-prone industries.

So, to the actual question: In an anarcho capitalist society, how would one deal with this issue? If it's in the best interests of a company to pump as much water as they can, or use as much fertilizer as they can, to maximize profits, and if those in charge of the corporation don't actually live in the area or experience the negative impact of their business practice, how can I and people in my community protect ourselves from the actions of, say, the Zephyrhills water bottling corporation?

Thank you for your attention, and your time. Also, please don't be put off if I don't respond quickly: I am studying for a massive exam on Monday. I wrote this question during a study break, and must now get back to the grind.

Posted Apr 13, 2013, 10:11 PM UTC

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