Approved by the Energy, Environment, and Water Policy Committee on November 6, 2018
Approved by the Public Policy Committee on August 9, 2019
Adopted by the Board of Direction on October 14, 2019
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recommends when proposing new regulations, modifying existing regulations, or eliminating existing regulations regulatory agencies seek consultation from outside independent experts knowledgeable in the technical fields affected by the proposed regulation.
Issue
The number of environmental regulations continues to change, covering a broad spectrum of issues such as air emissions, water quality and disposal of solids and liquids.
When agencies develop new regulations, or modify existing regulations, the agencies should engage technical experts to understand the short- and long-term costs and benefits from an environmental, economic, and social perspective. Regulations should be regularly reviewed by technical experts.
Rationale
Academic, government, and industry experts can provide technical input into proposed regulations to improve their quality and to ensure a sound technical basis for implementation or elimination.
This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 403
First Approved in 1992