ABSTRACT

This contribution is part of a compilation of letters on ‘Environmental Assessment (EA)/Impact Assessment (IA) simplification’ in the journal ‘Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal’. In it, the author discusses current efforts of the UK government to simplify and potentially replace EA. First, an overview of the development of EA over time is provided since it became mandatory (Environmental Impact Assessment – EIA – in 1988 and Strategic Environmental Assessment – SEA – in 2004). This is followed by a review of identified weaknesses of the UK EA system. The current initiative to potentially replace EA with so-called environmental outcomes reports (EORs) is described and critically reflected on. The letter concludes with a deliberation on whether current efforts appear to be fit for purpose and recommendations are provided on how we should proceed.

摘要

此贡献是“影响评估和项目评估”期刊中关于“环境评估 (EA)/影响评估 (IA) 简化”的信件汇编的一部分。在其中，作者讨论了英国政府目前为简化和可能取代 EA 所做的努力。首先，提供了自 EA 成为强制性要求（环境影响评估 - EIA - 1988 年和战略环境评估 - SEA - 2004 年）以来 EA 随时间发展的概述。接下来是对英国 EA 系统的已识别弱点的审查。描述并批判性地反思了当前可能用所谓的环境成果报告 (EOR) 取代 EA 的举措。