ISBN Environmental Assessment ( The Regulation of Decision Making ) book English Paperback 398 pages

Environmental Assessment is an inherently interdisciplinary mechanism which is concerned with the input and quality of information about the likely effects of development upon the environment. It is a useful tool for examining aspects of the relationship between law governance and the regulation of decision making which have been central to the development of environmental law. In this volume the procedural mechanism of environmental assessment is analysed. The author argues that notwithstanding its procedural nature environmental assessment is highly material to the outcome of a decision. A major focus of this analysis is the enhanced role of the developer in shaping the outcome of a decision by assuming responsibility for providing information on which a decision will be based in accordance with a broader agenda of expanding the roles and responsibilities of participants in environmental decision making. The author draws upon several contemporary projects as case studies of assessment: a global port an offshore windfarm a flood defence strategy and a recreation centre. In analysing these sites of decision making from a legal perspective the author touches upon the key determinants of environmental assessment: discretion the significance of environmental effects alternative options and participatory rights. Finally the volume looks to the future development of environmental assessment: as an avenue for protest and alternatively as a standardized component of international contracts for development.