Meeting the challenge of policy-relevant science: lessons from a water resource project
Water resources scientists face complex tasks in evaluating aspects of water projects, but relatively few assessment procedures have been applied and accepted as standards applications. Decision-makers often rely on environmental assessments to evaluate the value and operation of projects. There is often confusion about scientists' role in policy decisions. The scientist can affect policy-making as an expert witness, an advocate or a surrogate. By understanding the policy process, scientists can make their work more policy relevant. Using the Terror Lake hydro project in Alaska as a guide, three lessons are discussed: (1) not all problems are able to be solved with technology; (2) policy-relevant technology is rarely imposed on a problem; and (3) the scientist need not just to react to the policy process, but can have an impact on how that process unfolds.
- Research Organization:
- Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Collins, CO
- OSTI ID:
- 6895684
- Journal Information:
- Water Resour. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resour. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 22:5; ISSN WARBA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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