Introducing the Environmental Policy Process, cont’d

1. Introducing the Environmental Policy Process, cont’d • A. Phases in the policymaking system • B. Policy process as a “game” • structure • players • opportunities for influence

2. Political-Social Environment 1. Problem perception 2. Policy conception 3. Agenda setting 4. Decision- making 5. Political execution 6. Political impact

3. Phases of the Policymaking System 1. Problem perception: People need to perceive that a problem exists and that government has a role in addressing that problem.

4. Phases of the Policymaking System • 1. Problem perception • Policy conception: Proposing solutions • to identified problems.

5. Phases of the Policymaking System 1. Problem perception 2. Policy conception 3. Agenda setting: Communicating the proposed solution to decision-makers and gaining access for influence.

6. Phases of the Policymaking System • 1. Problem perception • 2. Policy conception • 3. Agenda setting • Decision-making: Institutional • processes for making policy decisions.

7. Phases of the Policymaking System • 1. Problem perception • 2. Policy conception • 3. Agenda setting • 4. Decision-making • Political execution: Implementation • of policies, or putting policy decisions • into effect.

8. Phases of the Policymaking System • 1. Problem perception • 2. Policy conception • 3. Agenda setting • 4. Decision-making • 5. Political execution • Political impact: Assessment of both • positive and negative impacts of a policy, • including feedback into problem • perception.

9. Problem Policy Agenda Decision- Political Political perception conception setting making execution impact Interest Groups, Media, Public opinion Congress Supreme Court Problem Areas (eg, health, security, pollution) President Bureaucracy Political Parties F E E D B A C K

10. Limits and Advantages to Using Policy Process Models • Assumes the system is rational; this often doesn’t reflect reality • Recognizes that policymaking is political, involving conflict • Draws attention to individuals and institutions • Highlights process dynamics

11. The Game of Environmental Policymaking • What are the structure & rules of the game and how do they affect the outcome?

12. Structure of the Environmental • Policy “Game” in the US: • Fragmentation of authority

13. Fragmentation of authority • a. Federalism • – National Government • – State Government • – Local Government • b. Separation of powers • – Executive • – Legislative • – Judiciary • c. Checks & balances • d. Political power is dispersed & fluid • – Pluralism • – Elections • – Rights • e. Diverse interests & values survive • political loss

14. Implications for environmental policy in a system of fragmented authority: • Many “access points” to government • Policy requires broad political consensus to advance • Easier to stall policy than it is to make it • Policy change tends to be incremental • Environmental Policy = Σ many policies • – Duplication & overlap • – Inconsistency & conflict

15. The Game of Environmental Policymaking 2. Who are the players and what tools do the players have to influence the game?

16. Players in US environmental policymaking • Legislative branch > House & Senate > Legislative Tools -- leadership -- law-making power * Majority -- budgetary power * Minority -- investigative power -- membership -- standing committees -- committees and staff -- staff -- approval of political appointees

17. Players in US environmental policymaking b. Chief Executive > White House > Tools -- President -- Executive authority -- White House staff * decision making -- CEQ * reorganization -- OMB * executive orders -- staff * hire & fire > Executive Agency Chiefs -- Agenda setting -- Political appointees