§ 9.202. Implementation strategies—a continuing board responsibility.
(a) The adoption of the policies for critical environmental areas by the Environmental Quality Board establishes a broad policy framework to guide future Commonwealth actions and is an important step in response to the legislative mandate to prepare the Environmental Master Plan. Since the policies are not self-implementing, adoption by the Board also creates a responsibility for the Environmental Quality Board to propose recommendations for effective policy implementation.
(b) Implementation proposals by the Environmental Quality Board will identify the necessary roles and responsibilities of the Governor, the Legislature, Commonwealth agencies, regional agencies, county and municipal governments, and the citizens of the Commonwealth. Because the critical area policies do not automatically put in place regulatory restraints or change existing statutory authorities, it is essential that recommendations for implementation address the resolution of existing policy conflicts and the balancing of other socioeconomic priorities. Through this process, policies can be implemented by changes to laws, regulations, or programs throughout all levels of government while providing an opportunity for public participation and review.
(c) Underlying all implementation proposals by the Board is a responsibility to communicate continually the fundamental principles of the environmental ethic and use all available education programs to provide an increased understanding and respect for the environment by the citizens of the Commonwealth. Without this understanding of environmental interrelationships, there will never be adequate public support to provide the basis for a successful implementation program.
(d) In addition to proposing implementation strategies, the most significant Board responsibility related to implementation is to monitor and review recommended actions and specific program changes designed to implement the critical area policies. This continuing responsibility is particularly important for implementation of the Master Plan because it provides the Environmental Quality Board an opportunity to ensure the following:
(1) Public review and participation has accompanied program changes to implement policies.
(2) Policies are being adequately studied and considered as a part of the Commonwealth decision-making process.
(3) Interpretation of policies is consistent with the purpose for which they were adopted.
(4) Policies are periodically reviewed, and recommendations are made where changes are necessary.
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