Citizen Participation and Government Choice in Local Environmental Controversies |
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Authors: | Judith A. Layzer |
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Affiliation: | Judith A. Layzer;is assistant professor of political science at Middlebury College. Her research focuses on U.S. environmental politics, particularly the role of science and the efficacy of collaborative decision making. |
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Abstract: | This article uses a single, critical case to assess the plausibility of hypotheses that emerge from the literature on civic environmentalism. In particular, scholars have argued that local, collaborative environmental decision making is likely to yield solutions that are both more durable and environmentally superior to those generated by more conventional policymahing processes. The analysis suggests, however, that such outcomes are unlikely in the absence of stringent regulatory requirements established at the federal or state level. This is because local officials face fiscal constraints that exacerbate the already substantial disparity in political resources between citizens and development interests. |
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