ABSTRACT
Flexibility, speed, management autonomy, self-governance, reduced or eliminated permit requirements, elevated status, preferential treatment, reduced or deferred penalties of violations, and reduced paperwork constitute an impressive list of potential regulatory benefits for ISO 14001-certified organizations. The National Accreditation Program for third-party audits of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems, requires third-party environmental management system (EMS) auditors to insure that an organization conforms to all of ISO 14001 requirements, including compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Widespread adoption of the ISO 14001 EMS in the United States will be restrained if industry cannot see that there is some benefit from government. Industry and state governments have become frustrated with the anemic effort of EPA to support voluntary environmental performance. The Yorktown Refinery case study provides an example of how the ISO 14001 system could provide environmental benefits beyond what is required by law.
