RE: Goals

[Dale Keyes <keyes@ecr.gov>]

Hi.  This is Dale Keyes.  I'm with the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution -- a federal agency established in 1998 to encourage collaborative decision making and the resolutiuon of disputes by alternative means when the issues involve public lands, natural resources or the environment, and a federal agency or interest is involved.  Please visit our web site to learn more about the Institute:<http://www.ecr.gov.  

I've scanned several of the comments made today and it appears that we have a wide range of participants with many perspectives.  It also appears that Pat Bonner wants us to stay focused on today's topic -- the goals of the draft policy.  (The list of goals and objectives can be found by starting at "Join the Discussion" and linking to Discussion Agenda, Detailed Agenda, and goals and objectives.)  There's a lot to like about the list, especially the emphasis on openness, starting to talk early and supporting the public as needed to encourage meaningful engagement.  I agree with Sheila Foster, howwever, that the goals would benefit by some discussion  of collaborative interaction among stakeholders and between stakeholders and EPA.  In fact, the draft policy would be improved by distinguishing between "the public" and "stakeholders" and by a broader discussion of the spectrum of public involvment oppportunities -- from public education to collaborative agreement-seeking processes to resolution of crystalized disputes.  I would also like to see some mention of using EPA resources, especially agency or third-party facilitation and mediation services, to assist as needed with public participation processes.  Finally, I think the goals should acknowledge that shared decision-making between the EPA and the public is not always possible due to existing laws and regulations and Agency mandates, so as not to raise unrealizable expectations.  Even in these situations, however, exchange of information and solicitation of public input can be valuable in the manner already described in the draft policy.

Finally, to respond to one commentator's observation that the field for public involvement is not always level, I'd like to make everyone aware that the Institute currently has a financial assistance program for federal agencies (Federal Parnetship Program)to help with qualifying collaborative, agreement-seeking processes.  Within the next 6 months we hope to have a companion program which targets non-federal entities.  Again, see our web site for more information.