Public participation in the planning of coal-fired electric power development in the Southwest: a review and analysis

Abstract

Public participation activities have recently become an integral component of natural resource planning efforts. A definite need exists to evaluate the adequacy in a procedural sense of such activities on a case by case basis. This study evaluates public participation in the planning of coal-fired electric power development in the Southwest. An overview of public participation in planning is given, the physical and social aspects of the development are discussed, and the regulatory and institutional framework surrounding power development planning are defined. Evaluative criteria for adequate public participation programs are also specified. An evaluation procedure consisting of questionnaires, interviews, and a classification and review of the public participation activities undertaken is utilized. Results are discussed in terms of the opportunities for public participation; public awareness of such opportunities; and the availability, usability, and adequacy of information. Recommendations are made regarding future public participation in power development planning and include the need for utilizing more activities which stress the direct interaction of conflicting parties, involving the public earlier in the power development planning process, increasing public awareness of participatory activities, and providing more available and adequate information in a more usable form.