Public input in the permitting process: the Section 404 example
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act illustrates the potential effectiveness of public input in the permitting process. Section 404 should, if strictly applied, reduce wetland loss, but the federal administrative agency's traditional role has been development rather than protection of these areas. As a result of citizen group activities, the Corps of Engineers has not been able to restrict the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction as much as they would have without the citizen input. One problem with the Corp's approach is with the specific descriptions of alternatives that often preclude a practical alternative. Public input is a necessary part of the democratic process by which the public establishes its values and preferences through persuasion and, when necessary, legal action.
- OSTI ID:
- 6501653
- Journal Information:
- Natur. Res. Environ.; (United States), Vol. 2:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Oversight hearings on Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Environmental Pollution of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, Ninety-Ninth Congress, First Session, May 21, June 10, July 15 and September 18, 1985
Trends and patterns in Section 404 permitting requiring compensatory mitigation in Oregon and Washington, USA
Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
PUBLIC POLICY
WETLANDS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
CLEAN WATER ACT
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
INTEREST GROUPS
PERMIT APPLICATIONS
US EPA
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
ECOSYSTEMS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LAWS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POLLUTION LAWS
US DOD
US ORGANIZATIONS
520600* - Environment
Aquatic- Regulations - (-1989)
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety