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Sustainable Development and Environmental Reform
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reviewing the EIS report makes the public a partner in the project. They
know the actual facts about the proposed project.
Task 4 Final EIS draft: After the responsible agency and the public have
reviewed the EIS first draft and suggested changes, a final EIS draft is prepared.
Administrative or policy questions are answered by the agency and given to
the EIS preparer. He develops answers to the technical comments. The final
draft is then submitted to the EPA for review and approval. Eventually, EPA
takes one of the following decisions:

• Lack of objection: Project is accepted.
• Environmental concern: Mitigating measures are suggested and
implemented.
• Environmental objection: Changes should be made.
• Environmentally unsatisfactory: Project is rejected.

4.8 Sustainable Development Road Map
By investigating the elements of the proposed environmental reform structure
shown in Figure 4.4, one can decide whether or not the country/community
follows a good reform and how far we are from the good environmental reform
and what are the missing elements in the current practice. One of the main
reasons is the absence of a comprehensive framework that provides a strategy
towards sustainable development. Such a framework can be used by mem-
bers of society to identify their possible roles. In addition, it can be used by
the government to design an efficient and strict monitoring system to eval-
uate compliance to regulations. The reason for the absence of such a frame-
work is the lack of awareness. Therefore, a framework has been proposed in
Figure 4.4 that integrates all the essential elements of environmental reform.
The sustainable development road map can be developed by the envi-
ronmental reform proposed structure covered in this chapter which reveals
the different elements of environmental reform. The last two sections of this
chapter can be considered as a conclusion of the first four chapters of this
book. It is clear that the poor–moderate–good implementation of most ele-
ments is primarily due to lack of awareness. Therefore, a methodology for
integrating the different elements of environmental reform was illustrated
by the sustainable development proposed framework section. Using this frame-
work the members of society can determine the different endeavors that
need to be adopted to comply with regulations and finally realize sustain-
able development.
The catalyst of this framework is environmental awareness, which is the
main barrier towards sustainable development. The benefits arising from
adopting eco-efficiency are numerous and can lead to increased efficiency of
operation and economic gains. However, most investors are reluctant to adopt