The inherent tensions arising from attempting to carry out strategic environmental assessments on all policies, plans and programmes

Journal Article · Sat Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 2012 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EIAR.2012.03.002· OSTI ID:22058871

McLauchlan, Anna ^[1]; Joao, Elsa ^[2]

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1. School of Applied Social Sciences (Geography), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XN, Scotland (United Kingdom)
2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, David Livingstone Centre for Sustainability, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XN, Scotland (United Kingdom)

This paper evaluates the tensions that result from routinely applying SEA to all policies, plans and programmes within Scotland. The European Union SEA Directive, effective in many EU member states from 2004, introduced a requirement for environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes. Scotland, a devolved nation within the EU member state of the United Kingdom, aimed to be a 'world leader in SEA' by legislating for SEA to be undertaken of all public sector plans, programmes and strategies, with the word 'strategies' being equated with 'policies'. This paper presents detailed data regarding Scottish SEA activity between 2004 and 2007, including responses to consultations on SEA reports. This empirical research found that, reflecting a general difficulty in determining where and when SEA should be applied, engagement with the SEA process was not as widespread as intended (including the pre-screening and screening stages). Eight tensions evident from Scotland's application of SEA are identified, and their broader relevance is examined. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We examine detailed data regarding Scottish strategic environmental assessment (SEA) activity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer There is a general difficulty in determining where SEA should be applied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Engagement with the SEA process was not as widespread as intended. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Eight 'tensions' that question the efficacy of applying SEA to all plans, programmes and policies were identified.

• OSTI ID: 22058871
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: Complete Vol. 36; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
EUROPEAN UNION
MEMBER STATES
UNITED KINGDOM