In the late 1800's/early 1900's the property rights of individuals were protected. If an individual homesteaded an area first, and a smoke stack was put in afterward, individuals had the right to be compensated/sue. However, during the industrial revolution, property rights of individuals were rescinded for the "great good" of industry. Does anyone know of a source article or material for this?
I think Tom DiLorenzo and Walter Block could answer your question.
To paraphrase Marc Faber: We're all doomed, but that doesn't mean that we can't make money in the process. Rabbi Lapin: "Let's make bricks!" Stephan Kinsella: "Say you and I both want to make a German chocolate cake."
home fireplaces were probobly common too....putting a lot of soot and smoke into the air. i would think that the smokestacks would fall under the same type of property rights regime?
maybe an average of emissions was deemed ok from fireplaces but smokestacks , due to volume, paid a premium?
i am not sure
The issue isn't smoke stacks... its that you can't keep the smoke off my property. It is a shame that we can't protect our property against polluters anymore.