RE: EPA's evolving role - communication is a two-way street.

[Mark F. Bohne <hilltop@lrbcg.com>]

Betty's and Mark's observations are valid.

One observation that I have deals with the role of significant activism and its relationship with the agency.

In the beginning, vocal (and passionate) activists were treated as the "them" in the "us and them" mindset of the agency. After getting over the initial mistrust, however, the agency usually finds the activist to be educated, concerned, and willing to work to make the system perform as expected.

These activists can become a well-spring of information and knowledge for the local community. Many will spend countless hours and significant personal resources to help with environmental issues.

Recently, the federal government has begun to recognize activists as allies (howbeit, strange bedfellows), in the quest for environmental protection. We have learned how to negotiate for the good of the order.

Local activists should be recognized and nurtured by the agency. Their opinions should be weighed and discussed. After all, they are usually the most knowledgeable about local environmental issues, and they usually store the greatest available "informal" facts about the issues.