Improving environmental decision-making through collaborative methods

Journal Article · Fri Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Policy Studies Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-1338.1999.tb00882.x· OSTI ID:20012690

Randolph, J; Bauer, M

In the past, government agencies with environmental missions rarely allowed public oversight over final decisions. However, faced with loss of control as policy and planning are increasingly carried out by Congress or the courts, some agencies, supported by businesses, communities, and environmental groups are using collaborative methods in the decision-making process. This emerging paradigm for environmental decision-making is driven by practical necessity rather than by abstract theory. This article will demonstrate that collaborative management is a process that broadens the influence of all entities concerned with an environmental decision, and is more likely to: (1) include the needs and opinions of affected parties; (2) bring a dialogue on normative values into the deliberative process; and (3) result in decisions that enhance environmental protection.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20012690
• Journal Information: Policy Studies Review, Journal Name: Policy Studies Review Journal Issue: 3-4 Vol. 16; ISSN 0278-4416; ISSN PSRWD5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
DECISION MAKING
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
PUBLIC OPINION