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Devolution and collaboration in the development of environmental regulations

Lawrence, Timothy James
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1117560009

Abstract Details

2005, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Environmental Science.
Using the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II Storm Water Program (NPDES) as a model, 69 jurisdictions were investigated to discover how well they met the challenge of local control for environmental protection. Using a mixed methods approach, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected looking at the value local officials place on the environment, their views of local control and regulatory approaches, knowledge and understanding of the program, confidence in the Ohio EPA, and willingness to collaborate with others. Other factors considered included collaboration with other jurisdictions on submission of a storm water master plan; existing environmental conditions; political affiliation; the presence of a state funded watershed coordinator; and median income in the jurisdiction. These were measured against the “stringency index” developed to measure the likelihood of the storm water master plans to improve water quality based on the opinion of national experts. The study also looked at the role of watershed groups in plan stringency. The analysis indicated the dominant factor in predicting the level of stringency for the storm water management plans was collaboration with other jurisdictions. The primary reason for collaboration with other jurisdictions was cost savings and the availability of technical expertise. While these findings are supportive of the general idea of watershed management, the key boundary used for collaboration was traditional political lines (counties) rather than ecological boundaries (watersheds). Other factors affecting plan stringency included support for the environment and prior environmental conditions. The presence of a state funded watershed coordinator was inconclusive in terms of its relationship with stringency. However, the local officials see a limited role for watershed groups, primarily focused on education and environmental awareness. The study supports the concept that local government ability and willingness to provide adequate protection for environment varies greatly across jurisdictions. Moreover, it suggests a rethinking of the watershed-based approach to storm water management. Rather than crossing political boundaries, watershed management may be more successful if it is localized within existing county-based jurisdictions. Greater emphasis should be placed on cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and educating local officials about funding mechanisms to support environmental protection programs.
Tomas Koontz (Advisor)
201 p.
Collaboration; Federalism; Devolution; Local Government; Environmental Policy; Water Quality; Stom Water Mangement; Pollution Control

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lawrence, T. J. (2005). Devolution and collaboration in the development of environmental regulations [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1117560009

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lawrence, Timothy. Devolution and collaboration in the development of environmental regulations. 2005. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1117560009.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lawrence, Timothy. "Devolution and collaboration in the development of environmental regulations." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1117560009

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1117560009
816
© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.