Channeling Development Through Environmental Law in Washington State

Author

Robert Thompson, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

1978

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Community Planning (MCP)

Department

Community Planning and Area Development

First Advisor

Richard O. Brooks

Abstract

Problems of population settlement, urbanization, industrial development, technology advancement, and the depletion and dissipation of the natural resources of Washington state have initiated a variety of responses from the legislature in the form of three major environmental statutes. These ares the State Environmental Policy Act, the Shoreline Management Act, and the Environmental Coordination Procedures Act. Together, these acts constitute a unique legislative response among the states in their attempt to channel development through environmental law.

It is the thesis of this case study that the legal ambit of environmental management is the continuing interaction involving the legislative intent, administrative implementation, and judicial interpretation of environmental law.

The purpose of this case study is to describe this legal ambit by examining the acts themselves, their administrative guidelines, and a corpus of case arising from their implementation1 and to suggest a coordinated administrative scheme whereby the intent of these three unique statutes can be more fully realized.

The environmental impact statement was selected as the coordinating vehicle. The master application procedures under the Environmental Coordination Procedures Act was selected as the coordinating framework to process required impact statements and permits.

The conclusion of the study is that environmental management is lacking a theoretical base for its decisions. The evolution of administrative functions has progressed from regulation, to allocation, and finally, to planning.

Who should receive the benefits of development and order? Who should pay the costs of development and order? A theory of planning law needs to be related to the distribution of environmental amenities.

Recommended Citation

Thompson, Robert, "Channeling Development Through Environmental Law in Washington State" (1978). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 609.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/609