Jerry Taylor, scholar from the libertarian think-tank, the Cato Institute, in Washington, D.C., challenges the “market failure” critique of capitalism as it pertains to energy policy and environmental protection. He believes that government failure to recognize private property rights leads to environmental degradation, and that economic growth is a vital prerequisite for ecological health.  Under Taylor’s direction, Cato has become one of the nation’s most influential and outspoken critics of federal land management policy, various “sustainable development” initiatives, global warming control policies, federal environmental regulations, environmental “doomsaying,” energy conservation mandates, renewable energy, federal energy policy, and public utility regulation in general. Since joining the Cato Institute, Taylor, a popular public speaker and debater, has emerged as a major voice in the environmental debate. A former editor of Environmental Monitor, Taylor is an adjunct scholar at the Institute for Energy Research and senior editor of Regulation magazine.

As Professor of Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, David Pimentel teaches a special course in Environmental Policy and has served on numerous policy committees, including the President's Science Advisory Committee on Restoring the Quality of the Environment, and chairman of the Board on Environmental Studies and the Board on Science and Technology for the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).  He also chaired several research panels for the NAS.  He served on the Advisory Board for the Secretary of the Department of Energy and chaired Panels on Gasohol and Biomass Energy. He also has chaired panels for the U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, the Environment Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.   Pimentel has published more than 500 scientific papers, including 20 books, dealing with soil, water, energy, biodiversity, invasive species, human population/environment issues, and environmental impacts of chemicals.  His papers and books are widely used worldwide by policy and decision-makers.  Also, his materials are used extensively in college and university teaching.  Pimentel is a popular scientist and lecturer in the United States and throughout the world.  He serves as editor of the new journal of Environment, Development and Sustainability, and also is associate editor for 6 additional scientific journals.