Influence of EIA on project planning and design: exploring the gap between best and actual practice

Claire Gronow

Chapter 5 in Handbook of Environmental Impact Assessment, 2022, pp 86-110 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The EIA procedure has at least three built-in mechanisms that are expected to compel proponents to consider environmental and social issues when making decisions about project planning and design: 1) examination of alternatives; 2) impact mitigation and management; and 3) statutory decisions. However, studies indicate that EIA has had a modest and highly variable influence on proponent planning and design, rarely leading to profound or transformational change. This chapter examines these three mechanisms through the lenses of best versus actual EIA practice and then provides further explanations for the variable and somewhat disappointing performance of EIA in influencing project planning and design. It concludes by suggesting changes to regulatory and procedural frameworks to maximise opportunities for EIA to influence proponent decision-making, as well as increase accountability of proponents for their decisions.

Keywords: Economics and Finance; Environment; Politics and Public Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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