ABSTRACT
The aggregation of discrete measures of environmental impact into a useful decision-facilitating analysis has been the weak link in environmental impact assessment. Data collection and analysis should be matched to the level and needs of the analysis; additional information has an expected value for benefits that can be compared to the costs. Most existing aggregation methods rely on small groups of experts to make evaluations of alternative environmental values. Many environmental assessments have been doomed to oblivion because of low decision-making utility. Poor communication and presentation is a common cause of the failure to use environmental assessments. Communication can be improved by involving decision makers, environmental professionals, and publics as early as possible in the environmental assessment process. Legislative deliberations are the primary location for broad policy issues and, through the electoral system, are designed to reflect values, including environmental values, in a representative manner.
