The Use of Strategic Planning, Information, and Analysis in Environmental Policy Making and Management

Abstract

AbstractThis article discusses the use of environmental planning and analysis efforts in the U.S. policy-making system. It begins with an examination of the incremental nature of environmental policy development and describes how the complexity and scientific uncertainty of environmental problems influences policy formulation and implementation. Next, it addresses two important policy-making tools: strategic planning and environmental impact assessment. It then uses a series of case studies to illustrate the factors that condition the success and failure of analysis in environmental policy and administration. In some instances these analytic tools contribute to success, and in other cases they are largely irrelevant. Throughout the article discusses what we know and do not know about environmental planning and analysis. It also identifies potential directions for future research.