PERC was created in 1980 by a handful of economists who began by asking the question, "If markets can produce bread and cars, why can't they produce environmental quality?" Since its founding, PERC has moved from being a voice in the wilderness (both literally and figuratively) to holding a prominent place on the environmental policy stage. Today, mainstream thinking has come much closer to PERC's philosophy. "Free market environmentalists are pushing against an open door," says David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Research and policy analysis remain a cornerstone of PERC's agenda. Current topics of research include public lands management, water marketing, fisheries preservation, and environmental entrepreneurship. With a growing network of scholars, we expect our flow of ideas to increase.
Furthermore, PERC continues to take its research beyond the bookshelves, through its education and outreach initiatives. We are currently engaged in cultivating a growing number of students, environmental leaders, journalists, teachers, and policy makers so they can put market forces to work in the environment.
The next step in PERC's growth is PERC University, a place where professionals from many fields can gather to exchange ideas and explore new prospects for free market environmentalism. A series of scholarly workshops have brought together journalists, economists, scientists, policy makers for vigorous debate and discussion of new ideas.
We have an exciting agenda at PERC that builds on more than 30 years of experience—and over the next 30 years, we are confident that we'll continue to nurture a clearer understanding of free market environmentalism, with the growing support of others who are also looking to make a difference.
Help advance free market environmentalism by supporting PERC today!
Founded 30 years ago in Bozeman, Montana, PERC—the Property and Environment Research Center—is the nation’s oldest and largest institute dedicated to improving environmental quality through property rights and markets.
PERC’s publications, each designed to resonate with specific groups, move ideas generated at PERC to broader audiences.
Research is at the heart of PERC's work, with a focus on the question: What is the link between economic growth and environmental quality?
The goal of PERC’s programs is to fully realize the vision of establishing “PERC University,” where scholars, students, policy makers, and others convene to expand the applications of free market environmentalism.
PERC's fellowships share a common goal of exposing new scholars, students, journalists, and policy makers to free market environmentalism, as well as enable scholars already familiar with FME to explore new applications.
PERC continues to publish and present a broad range of research and discussion through podcasts, videos, and other multimedia channels.