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 However, during the industrial revolution, property rights of individuals were rescinded for the “great good” of industry.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.
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.