![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Alternative Approaches to Core Programs
EPA New England and the New England states are testing new strategies for managing traditional functions such as inspections, compliance assistance and permitting. One ongoing effort was pioneered in Massachusetts and has become a new regulatory strategy: the Environmental Results Program, or ERP.
An ERP links compliance assistance, self-certification and performance measurement to achieve environmental results -- results that may be used to modify or replace existing regulatory structures. An ERP offers an alternative to traditional permitting, through which participating businesses demonstrate environmental compliance through self-certification. The ERP system responds to two critical realities:
Increasing resource constraints are forcing state environmental agencies to seek new monitoring and compliance strategies.
Most business owners want to operate their facilities in an environmentally responsible manner.
An ERP is comprised of four elements:
- Agencies develop workbooks and provide assistance to business owners/managers so they can fully understand their compliance requirements.
- A system is developed for business owners/managers to self-certify compliance.
- Agencies verify compliance through random and targeted inspections.
- Results are evaluated and analyzed to ensure that the program works, to track sector performance, and to inform resource allocation decisions.
Environmental Results Program in New England
Information
on New England's targeted sectors, the regulatory
requirements, covered facilities, implementation progress, and contacts.
Environmental
Results Program, EPA HQ
An overview of ERP and its tools, a list of states that are implementing
or planning to use ERP, business sectors in which ERP is being applied,
and publications that provide more detailed information on specific projects.
EPA contacts for information about ERP:
In New England: Beth Termini (termini.beth@epa.gov), (617)-918-1662
At EPA HQ, Office of Environmental Policy & Innovation: Scott Bowles (scott.bowles@epa.gov), (202) 566-2208