Washington State University has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to explore compliance with environmental regulations. The study, led by John Harrison of the School of the Environment, seeks to understand when and why individuals and institutions strictly adhere to environmental rules or opt for a more flexible approach.
The research acknowledges the need for flexibility in environmental management to adapt to changes, yet it also recognizes the importance of clear regulations for consistent long-term investments. With climate and societal conditions being unpredictable, the study will examine the ramifications of altering environmental rules as scientific knowledge evolves.
Harrison, alongside colleagues from various WSU departments, will focus on the management of reservoir water in the Columbia River Basin to study the interaction between environmental and societal factors and their influence on rule compliance, modification, and creation. The researchers aim to assess how these practices impact greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, and the presence of harmful algal blooms and aquatic invasive species.
The Columbia River, as one of the most dammed rivers globally, serves as a prime example to study the socio-environmental dynamics related to river impoundment. The research aims to integrate knowledge of river ecology with economic analysis to evaluate the costs and benefits of discretionary environmental management.
The four-year project will not only contribute to scientific understanding of environmental management but also provide practical insights to water managers. Additionally, it will serve an educational purpose, offering training to graduate and undergraduate students, educating K-12 teachers, and involving reservoir managers, stakeholders, and the public.
The overarching goal of this interdisciplinary project is to enhance the sustainable management of rivers and natural resources.
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