US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution

{{Short description|Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, USA}}

The 1998 Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act (P.L. 105-156)[http://www.mediate.com/articles/epcra1998.cfm Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act of 1998] created the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution to assist parties in resolving environmental conflicts around the country that involve federal agencies or interests. The Institute provides a neutral place inside the federal government but "outside the Beltway" where public and private interests can reach common ground.[http://yosemite.epa.gov/opei/opeipub.nsf/opei/OPEIPub.nsf/Resources-by-Title/53B4B6FC3BBA817885256D73006A1585?OpenDocument Resource] Its primary objectives are to:

• Resolve federal environmental, natural resources, and public lands disputes in a timely and constructive manner through assisted negotiation and mediation.
• Increase the appropriate use of environmental conflict resolution (ECR) in general and improve the ability of federal agencies and other interested parties to engage in ECR effectively.
• Engage in and promote collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building during the design and implementation of federal environmental policies to prevent and reduce the incidence of future environmental disputes.