Abstract |
The Environmental Impact Statement is defined, its effects on the policies and programs of the Atomic Energy Commission, Bureau of Reclamation, Corps of Engineers, and the Oregon Highway Division examined, and suggestions are made on ways to improve the statements. Criticism of the statements centers on their failure to define impacts to be studied, to provide measurement tools, and to increase local participation in environmental planning. While the statements have forced agencies to be aware of environmental impacts, the increased workloads have caused the statements to be a separate rather than an integral part of the planning process. The development of a composite score, formed by examining the project's impact on the ecology, economy, and health and safety of the region is suggested as one way of selecting the best alternative. Regional information gathering systems are proposed to better integrate environmental impacts and public concern into the planning process. |