Public Policy Frameworks in Environmental Settings: An Argument for New Policy Frameworks to Support New Policy Directions

Abstract

Environmental policy is about solving problems, not creating them.  Policy frameworks are meant to be supportive of policy initiatives. Most environmental initiatives are impacted by new information, and as such, policy frameworks should be responsive to new information. Often existing policy frameworks limit the ability of information that suggests a change in policy direction. This article discusses some of the causes for this phenomenon and suggests that new policy frameworks should be considered in supporting new policy directions, rather than relying on the manipulation of existing policy frameworks.