In the case of current land owners we'll be changing the way they pay for what they get. Currently they pay a lump sum when they buy the land, and we're switching to a model where the land would be a lot cheaper but tax on land would be high. Not compensating them at all would have them pay twice. I'm all for breaking eggs to make omelet, but it is unfair.
Polluters simply generate negative externalities. They've benefited so far by making a profit without compensating society for the harm they cause. Fair would be hitting them with backcharges. Adding various taxes and regulations to bring them closer to a net zero harm is a bare minimum.
As an aside, in both cases we're talking about commons. Land owners enjoy for free the commons of being in an urban place (other people, infrastructure, access to interesting places, clients, employees and employers). Polluters hurt the commons of clean air and clean water.
Polluters simply generate negative externalities. They've benefited so far by making a profit without compensating society for the harm they cause. Fair would be hitting them with backcharges. Adding various taxes and regulations to bring them closer to a net zero harm is a bare minimum.
As an aside, in both cases we're talking about commons. Land owners enjoy for free the commons of being in an urban place (other people, infrastructure, access to interesting places, clients, employees and employers). Polluters hurt the commons of clean air and clean water.