ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a conceptual framework for analyzing public policy change in which a multiplicity of actors at each level of government may exert significant influence upon public policy outputs. It analyzes changes in two key areas of marine policy: ocean dumping and at-sea incineration of hazardous waste. Use of the oceans as a sink for solid waste and as a location for incineration of liquid wastes has generated considerable conflict and some cooperation in intergovernmental relations in the United States. The most recent factor influencing policy change in ocean dumping may have been a spillover effect from another policy subsystem—that of ocean incineration of hazardous waste. The proposed rules would modify provisions in the Ocean Dumping Regulations regarding issuance of ocean incineration permits and designation and management of ocean incineration sites. Officials of local, state and national governments have been active participants in coalitions on both sides of issues raised concerning ocean dumping and at-sea incineration of hazardous materials.
