Environmental quality criteria: What type should we be developing

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Environmental Science and Technology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00020a600· OSTI ID:5367649

Chapman, P M ^[1]

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1. E.V.S Consultants, Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

The development of environmental quality criteria is a major global industry; it occupies the time and pays the salaries of professionals in a variety of fields. Scientists provide the data to support or oppose these criteria; lawyers provide the framework for or argue against their promulgation; administrators try to make criteria work or seek loopholes; politicians favor them (or say they do); environmentalists alternately promote and denounce them; and members of the general public hope the criteria will protect the environment but not adversely affect their own jobs or lifestyles. Is all this activity achieving its objective of improving environmental quality Are we sure what that objective is The author believes that the answer to both questions is a clear no. The purpose of this article is to explain this position, to suggest possible remedies, and to urge their immediate implementation.

• OSTI ID: 5367649
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States) Vol. 25:8; ISSN ESTHA; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
DECISION MAKING
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FORECASTING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
MEASURING METHODS
MODIFICATIONS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
REGULATIONS
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS