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State-of-the-art science and environmental assessments: the case of acid deposition

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Abstract

Scientific quality in a technical policy document is defined in terms of the proportion of contemporary scientific principles on a subject that the document competently discusses. As a case study of the scientific quality of such documents, this articles examines the treatment of acid deposition effects in 126 environmental impact statements on fossil-fuel power plants. On average, the relevant environmental statements cover only a quarter of the eligible scientific principles. Bureaucratic and political factors influence the quality of discussion of acid deposition more than do strictly objective or scientific factors. In particular, public participation and interagency review processes foster relatively thorough consideration of scientific information in environmental impact statements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research, Northwestern University, 60201, Evanston, Illinois, USA

    Paul J. Culhane

  2. Holcomb Research Institute, Butler University, 46208, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

    Thomas V. Armentano

  3. Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research, Northwestern University, 60201, Evanston, Illinois, USA

    H. Paul Friesema

Authors
  1. Paul J. Culhane
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  2. Thomas V. Armentano
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  3. H. Paul Friesema
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Culhane, P.J., Armentano, T.V. & Friesema, H.P. State-of-the-art science and environmental assessments: the case of acid deposition. Environmental Management 9, 365–377 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01866336

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