EPA explores its client base and speaks to a broader ``public'' for public information services

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20002273

Marsh, M

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has 33 hotlines operational for technical support to states and the public on matters of education, risk information and general public outreach. The subject matter or speciality of the hotlines ranges from Superfund and Indoor Air to Air Toxics and Stratospheric Ozone. Increased agency mandates calling for further expansion of community right to know relate to the level of need for information and the agency's response to it. Past agency surveys clearly indicate the rise of the public sector demand for information and by disproportionate contrast, less demand from private sectors. The expanded agency initiative will require more management of information sought by an expanded customer driven client base. The information gap between those with information to make decisions and those without information is narrowing, creating a more informed public with definitive information demands. In the time frame 1988 to 1994 states and private groups clearly were leading in statistics taken on client profiles of the average caller. The client database held a 65% plus base of callers from non citizen type callers. There is a clear shift in databases viewed from 1995 to 1996 and into 1998. Currently 65% plus are noted as private citizens. Some calls are public citizens wearing two hats voicing strong opinions as to who is the stakeholder. Issues such as noise, air and water quality are now voiced concerns from all clients who have now entered the age of partnerships with a strong signal given as to perceived threats to community, consumer health and public health.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (US)
• OSTI ID: 20002273
• Report Number(s): CONF-990608--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
DECISION MAKING
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INFORMATION NEEDS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
RISK ASSESSMENT
US EPA