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	Services Complex Talks Unhinging Case Studies Balancing Interests Principal Bios Senior Staff Bios Contact Us	Kearns & West in Action: Balancing Economic and Environmental Interests Situation The problem: Protracted environmental dispute pitting environmental protection vs. economic well-being caused lengthy, costly, contentious regulatory processes with less than optimal environmental achievement. The Aspen Institute, a nonprofit think tank and leadership forum, convened The Aspen Institute’s Series on the Environment in the 21st Century. Kearns & West was asked to assist with the project’s strategy and facilitate a collaborative exchange. Approach Kearns & West designed and conducted collaborative meetings bringing together more than 85 diverse stakeholders, including environmental leaders (Sierra Club, EDF, NRDC), industry leaders (Pacific Gas & Electric, Niagara Mohawk, Amoco, International Paper, Ciba Geigy, 3M), government leaders (including the White House, Congressional leaders, key agencies, as well as state and local officials) and others. The program, through a series of meetings, identified the issues and challenges, barriers to success, and potential solutions that achieve improved environmental protection in an economically sensitive manner. The program included: Identification and enlistment of diverse national and local stakeholders from across the country—local, state, and federal regulators; electric, oil, timber, manufacturers and other industry; environmental, conservation, and environmental justice non-governmental organizations; and local community interests Identification of issues and concerns Developing agendas and processes for effective meetings Managing the process in the meetings, including facilitating and note-taking Between-meeting process management to ensure progress Results Results of the effort included development of principles and a framework for a new system of environmental management which continues to be enhanced through the Aspen Series. In addition, the concepts were incorporated directly into several national, state and local policy arenas, including the President's plan for "Reinventing Environmental Regulation," and an EPA pilot program for beyond-compliance initiatives involving joint, proactive projects with industry and regulators. TOP of Page
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