through the centuries, lawmakers have resorted to a variety of measures to combat air pollution. during the middle ages, for example, king edward i of england established a reputation as an uncompromising environmentalist by executing a man for burning coal instead of oak. although they may share edward's sense of urgency, most modern-day advocates of a cleaner environment favor less harsh measures.
indeed, economists have long argued that adam smith's invisible hand can be more effective than the regulatory axe in cotrolling pollution.