Environmental policy indicators: A systems model

Abstract

ABSTRACT/This article describes and tests a systems theory-based policy indicators model. The framework is used to examine propositions about linkages between states' ecological-spatial characteristics and subsequent selected solid waste management (SWM) -related environmental policies. It was hypothesized that state characteristics of: (1) population density (used as a garbage-per-land area index), (2) population convergence within urban areas, and (3) percent population change in the interval 1980-1985, could jointly explain state variation in both the number and the vigor of SWM policy outputs.Greater levels of spatial pressure were proposed to be related directly to more numerous, more convincing policies. Proposals are grounded in the literature of organizational search theory, crisis stimulation, and technological pressure.Results revealed that the sociospatial model in fact could explain a reasonable proportion of policy variation across states. However, not all hypotheses are supported. Population change shows an indirect, rather than the anticipated direct, relationship with policy output levels. In addition, when used in the model as a pollution intensity index, population density failed to contribute significantly to an explanation of differences in state SWM policy levels. The analysis raises questions about changes occurring over time in the nature and direction of linkages between sociospatial measures and policy responses. This study suggests that strengthening policy indicator models may require questioning key assumptions and theoretical bases, conducting longitudinal studies, and factoring in political, economic, and other policy environment forces.This study asks whether, to what extent, and how ecological-spatial characteristics of states can explain variations in state govermnent solid waste management (SWM) policy lcvels. A comparative study such as this attempts to add to our understanding of why some states impose and implement rigorous statewide regulations, while others give the subject only lip service.One purpose of this policy indicators study is to assess the value of conventional ecological measures as modern indicators of public policy response in the area of SWM. A second purpose is to draw inferences from the results, which may inform a reformulation of the model for further study. In this evaluation, three related questions are addressed. First, are the selected measures of ecological-spatial dynamics within states significantly related to variation in solid waste policy outputs? Second, do the measures, collectively, provide a significant explanation of SWM policy variation across states? Third, as a check on generalizability of findings to different SWM policy out-