Approved by the Energy, Environment, and Water Policy Committee on January 20, 2022
Approved by the Public Policy Committee on April 27, 2022
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 22, 2022
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.
Furthermore, ASCE encourages its members offer their expertise to regulatory agencies during the proposal of new regulations, modifications of existing regulation, or elimination of existing regulations.
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. Agencies should also use technical experts to help determine the practicability of implementation for new regulations or modifications to existing regulations. 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