The Experts below are selected from a list of 324 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Michael A. Kilgore - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Barriers to and opportunities for effective cumulative impact assessment within state-level Environmental Review frameworks in the United States
    Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2012
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    In the US, relatively little research has been done in recent years to inform the development and implementation of cumulative impact assessment (CIA) policy. Past studies have primarily focused on the requirements and practices of the National Environmental Policy Act, but little is known about the challenges and opportunities relating to CIA practices at the state level. By analysing data from a national survey of state Environmental Review programme administrators, this study identified the inability of state programmes to facilitate CIA practices as a major barrier to effective implementation, particularly reflected by the perceived lack of explicit procedures and data for conducting CIA. Important strategies for improvement included adopting detailed guidelines specifying what to include in an assessment and developing institutional mechanisms to encourage state agency co-ordination. Some differences in perception were observed across programmes due to the different types of state-level Environmental...

  • Characterising the landscape of state Environmental Review policies and procedures in the United States: a national assessment
    Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2009
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    Following the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, many states have adopted policies and procedures directing state agencies and local government units to evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of development projects prior to their undertaking. In contrast to a rich literature on federal requirements, current understanding of state Environmental Review is narrowly focused and outdated. This paper seeks to provide information on the landscape of state Environmental Review policy frameworks. The paper identifies 37 states with formal Environmental Review requirements through a document Review of state statutes, administrative rules and agency-prepared materials, and confirms this finding through a survey of state administrators. A two-tier classification is used to distinguish states based on the approach taken to address Environmental Review needs and the scope and depth of relevant policies and procedures implemented. This paper also provides a discussion of policy and programme...

  • The integration of cumulative Environmental impact assessments and state Environmental Review frameworks.
    2009
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is the process of assessing a proposed action’s cumulative Environmental effects in the context of other past, present, and future actions, regardless of who undertakes such other actions (CEQ, 1978). The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is generally acknowledged as the first legislative impetus behind CIA. It established a framework under which federal agencies are required to consider project-specific and cumulative Environmental impacts of proposed projects prior to their undertaking. NEPA applies to federal actions, but many projects occur as a result of non-federal actions and are subject to formal Environmental Review administered by state governments. In contrast to the rich literature on federal efforts, little is known about state Environmental Review and CIA policies and practices. Through a Review of state Environmental laws, rules and agency-prepared materials, this report identifies 37 states with formal Environmental Review processes. It further describes the landscape of state efforts, and establishes and applies a two-tier framework to characterize state policies and procedures. A national mail survey of state Environmental Review program administrators was then conducted. Twenty-nine programs across the country were identified with CIA requirements. More than half of these programs have adopted various documentations, scales, baselines, criteria, methods, and coordination practices for assessing cumulative impacts. The findings further suggest that a program with comprehensive and consistent Environmental Review policies and procedures does not necessarily imply extensive CIA requirements and practices. In addition, this report discusses the barriers to and opportunities for effective CIA. Program administrators across the country are facing similar challenges regarding the inability of existing state Environmental Review frameworks to favorably structure CIA implementation and the technical difficulties associated with conducting CIA. Ideas were proposed for overcoming CIA barriers, including developing explicit procedural guidelines and increasing collaboration among government agencies. However, regardless the nature and characteristics of their programs, the administrators generally feel unsuccessful improving CIA practices. Finally, this report discusses the policy implications for assessing cumulative impacts within the context of state Environmental Review. It also suggests that future research is needed for exploring alternative frameworks under which cumulative impacts may be more effectively analyzed.

  • Assessing cumulative impacts within state Environmental Review frameworks in the United States
    Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2009
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    article i nfo Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is the process of systematically assessing a proposed action's cumulative Environmental effects in the context of past, present, and future actions, regardless of who undertakes such actions. Previous studies have examined CIA efforts at the federal level but little is known about how states assess the cumulative impacts of nonfederal projects. By examining state Environmental Review statutes, administrative rules, agency-prepared materials, and a national survey of the administrators of state Environmental Review programs, this study identifies the legal and administrative frameworks for CIA. It examines current CIA practice, discusses the relationship between CIA policy and its implementation, and explores the opportunities for improvement. The results of the study show that twenty-nine state Environmental Review programs across twenty-six states required the assessment of cumulative environ- mental impacts. More than half of these programs have adopted specific procedures for implementing their policies. Some programs assessed cumulative impacts using a standard Review document, and others have created their own documentations incorporated into applications for state permits or funding. The majority of programs have adopted various scales, baselines, significance criteria, and coordination practices in their CIA processes. Mixed methods were generally used for data collection and analysis; qualitative methods were more prevalent than quantitative methods. The results also suggest that a program with comprehensive and consistent Environmental Review policies and procedures does not always imply extensive CIA requirements and practices. Finally, this study discusses the potential for improving existing CIA processes and promoting CIA efforts in states without established Environmental Review programs.

  • Benchmarking Minnesota’s Environmental Review and Permitting Processes for Forestry and Mining Industries: A Comparative Assessment
    2008
    Co-Authors: Ryan J. Aylesworth, Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    This report was prepared in response to 2005 Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 1, Section 2, Subsection 7, requiring the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to submit a report to the Minnesota House and Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committees benchmarking Environmental Review and permitting laws and procedures in Minnesota with states containing comparable forestry and mining development projects. The report consists of a Review of state Environmental Review programs, case studies of four forestry and four mining development projects, and results of a focus group meeting with state Environmental Review and permitting project managers.

Carissa Schively Slotterback - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Scoping in Environmental Review for Transportation Projects: A Study of NEPA Scoping Methods and Outcomes in State Departments of Transportation
    2008
    Co-Authors: Carissa Schively Slotterback, Susan Sloper
    Abstract:

    This report summarizes the findings of a study of scoping processes conducted in state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the U.S. The study focused specifically on scoping conducted as part of implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for various types of transportation projects. The intent was to identify variation in approaches to scoping in DOTs across the U.S. and to identify the outcomes of scoping on later steps in the Environmental Review process, through the use of an online survey methodology. In addition, the study asked state DOTs to evaluate their own approaches to scoping. To supplement the national Review of scoping practices, four case studies of recent scoping processes conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) were completed. The key findings of the study provide insights into the range of approaches used for scoping in state departments of transportation, as well as valuable information about the influence of scoping efforts in Environmental Review.

  • stakeholder involvement in nepa scoping processes evaluating practices and effects in transportation agencies
    Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2008
    Co-Authors: Carissa Schively Slotterback
    Abstract:

    Focusing on Environmental Review practice in state departments of transportation in the US, the study examines the practices and effects of stakeholder involvement in scoping processes conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Based on a survey of Environmental Review staff in 46 of the 50 states, the study finds variation in approaches used by states and relatively high levels of perceived effectiveness. The findings include a number of internal and external factors that contribute to effectiveness and highlight the impacts of participation on the content and outcomes of scoping processes.

  • Evaluating the implementation of Environmental Review mitigation in local planning and development processes
    Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2008
    Co-Authors: Carissa Schively Slotterback
    Abstract:

    Abstract The implementation of mitigation strategies and outcomes of Environmental Review remains a challenge for planners and regulators. While the process and content of Environmental Review is clearly defined, there is often little attention to what happens after the Review is completed. This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the implementation of the outcomes of Environmental Review, specifically mitigation measures designed to respond to Environmental impacts identified in the Environmental impact analysis. Drawing on previous evaluations of Environmental Review outcomes and plan implementation, the research provides a methodology for evaluating the implementation of mitigation efforts, points to the challenges associated with implementing the mitigation outcomes of local Environmental Review in planning and development processes, and identifies opportunities to integrate planning and Environmental Review processes.

Dennis R. Becker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Barriers to and opportunities for effective cumulative impact assessment within state-level Environmental Review frameworks in the United States
    Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2012
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    In the US, relatively little research has been done in recent years to inform the development and implementation of cumulative impact assessment (CIA) policy. Past studies have primarily focused on the requirements and practices of the National Environmental Policy Act, but little is known about the challenges and opportunities relating to CIA practices at the state level. By analysing data from a national survey of state Environmental Review programme administrators, this study identified the inability of state programmes to facilitate CIA practices as a major barrier to effective implementation, particularly reflected by the perceived lack of explicit procedures and data for conducting CIA. Important strategies for improvement included adopting detailed guidelines specifying what to include in an assessment and developing institutional mechanisms to encourage state agency co-ordination. Some differences in perception were observed across programmes due to the different types of state-level Environmental...

  • Characterising the landscape of state Environmental Review policies and procedures in the United States: a national assessment
    Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2009
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    Following the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, many states have adopted policies and procedures directing state agencies and local government units to evaluate the potential Environmental impacts of development projects prior to their undertaking. In contrast to a rich literature on federal requirements, current understanding of state Environmental Review is narrowly focused and outdated. This paper seeks to provide information on the landscape of state Environmental Review policy frameworks. The paper identifies 37 states with formal Environmental Review requirements through a document Review of state statutes, administrative rules and agency-prepared materials, and confirms this finding through a survey of state administrators. A two-tier classification is used to distinguish states based on the approach taken to address Environmental Review needs and the scope and depth of relevant policies and procedures implemented. This paper also provides a discussion of policy and programme...

  • The integration of cumulative Environmental impact assessments and state Environmental Review frameworks.
    2009
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is the process of assessing a proposed action’s cumulative Environmental effects in the context of other past, present, and future actions, regardless of who undertakes such other actions (CEQ, 1978). The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is generally acknowledged as the first legislative impetus behind CIA. It established a framework under which federal agencies are required to consider project-specific and cumulative Environmental impacts of proposed projects prior to their undertaking. NEPA applies to federal actions, but many projects occur as a result of non-federal actions and are subject to formal Environmental Review administered by state governments. In contrast to the rich literature on federal efforts, little is known about state Environmental Review and CIA policies and practices. Through a Review of state Environmental laws, rules and agency-prepared materials, this report identifies 37 states with formal Environmental Review processes. It further describes the landscape of state efforts, and establishes and applies a two-tier framework to characterize state policies and procedures. A national mail survey of state Environmental Review program administrators was then conducted. Twenty-nine programs across the country were identified with CIA requirements. More than half of these programs have adopted various documentations, scales, baselines, criteria, methods, and coordination practices for assessing cumulative impacts. The findings further suggest that a program with comprehensive and consistent Environmental Review policies and procedures does not necessarily imply extensive CIA requirements and practices. In addition, this report discusses the barriers to and opportunities for effective CIA. Program administrators across the country are facing similar challenges regarding the inability of existing state Environmental Review frameworks to favorably structure CIA implementation and the technical difficulties associated with conducting CIA. Ideas were proposed for overcoming CIA barriers, including developing explicit procedural guidelines and increasing collaboration among government agencies. However, regardless the nature and characteristics of their programs, the administrators generally feel unsuccessful improving CIA practices. Finally, this report discusses the policy implications for assessing cumulative impacts within the context of state Environmental Review. It also suggests that future research is needed for exploring alternative frameworks under which cumulative impacts may be more effectively analyzed.

  • Assessing cumulative impacts within state Environmental Review frameworks in the United States
    Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2009
    Co-Authors: Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    article i nfo Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is the process of systematically assessing a proposed action's cumulative Environmental effects in the context of past, present, and future actions, regardless of who undertakes such actions. Previous studies have examined CIA efforts at the federal level but little is known about how states assess the cumulative impacts of nonfederal projects. By examining state Environmental Review statutes, administrative rules, agency-prepared materials, and a national survey of the administrators of state Environmental Review programs, this study identifies the legal and administrative frameworks for CIA. It examines current CIA practice, discusses the relationship between CIA policy and its implementation, and explores the opportunities for improvement. The results of the study show that twenty-nine state Environmental Review programs across twenty-six states required the assessment of cumulative environ- mental impacts. More than half of these programs have adopted specific procedures for implementing their policies. Some programs assessed cumulative impacts using a standard Review document, and others have created their own documentations incorporated into applications for state permits or funding. The majority of programs have adopted various scales, baselines, significance criteria, and coordination practices in their CIA processes. Mixed methods were generally used for data collection and analysis; qualitative methods were more prevalent than quantitative methods. The results also suggest that a program with comprehensive and consistent Environmental Review policies and procedures does not always imply extensive CIA requirements and practices. Finally, this study discusses the potential for improving existing CIA processes and promoting CIA efforts in states without established Environmental Review programs.

  • Benchmarking Minnesota’s Environmental Review and Permitting Processes for Forestry and Mining Industries: A Comparative Assessment
    2008
    Co-Authors: Ryan J. Aylesworth, Dennis R. Becker, Michael A. Kilgore
    Abstract:

    This report was prepared in response to 2005 Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 1, Section 2, Subsection 7, requiring the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to submit a report to the Minnesota House and Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committees benchmarking Environmental Review and permitting laws and procedures in Minnesota with states containing comparable forestry and mining development projects. The report consists of a Review of state Environmental Review programs, case studies of four forestry and four mining development projects, and results of a focus group meeting with state Environmental Review and permitting project managers.

M. Husain Sadar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Anne Wiles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.