Markets Vs. Mandates: Promoting Environmental Quality And Economic Prosperity

On May 12, 2026, the Hoover Institution will host its fourth annual one-day conference on Markets vs. Mandates: Promoting Environmental Quality and Economic Prosperity. As in previous years, the conference will compare and contrast how markets and regulations can best resolve tradeoffs among environmental concerns, economic growth and individual freedom. This year’s theme is “Technology, Trade, and Entrepreneurship.” It will highlight successes and failures of U.S. institutions in promoting effective environmentalism. Morning sessions will assess environmental effects of tariffs and shifts from federal to state regulations. The afternoon sessions will turn to the effects of AI on energy demands and to the potential for AI to improve measurement and monitoring of environmental goods and services. Refreshments will be served after the conference to give the audience and presenters time to mingle. The conference is open to the public and registration is required.