Impact Assessment in NS: The Green Screen Regulatory Craft
Conference Chris Bryant NS Economic Development Government
Commitment The New Nova Scotia - committed to growing a clean and
green economy Opportunities For Sustainable Prosperity linking
economic growth and environmental stewardship Environmental Goals
& Sustainable Prosperity Act legislated environmental targets
Sustainable Prosperity Green Screen - Commitment Premier -
committed to use green filter to assess environmental implications
of decisions Cabinet - approved further development of green screen
as part of the overall implementation of the Environmental Goals
& Sustainable Prosperity Act Green Screen - Approach Use
Existing Tool: Memo to Cabinet Section Implications Environmental
One of 8 areas for possible implications But minimal direction
Sharpen the tool Does the Cabinet proposal have a net positive or
negative impact on growing a clean and green economy? Green Screen
Development Expand the basic question 1. Environmental Effect:
Outline the effects (+ve or -ve) the recommended option may have on
the environment. 2.Waste: What implications does the option have
for waste creation or elimination, including pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions? 3.Accountability: Describe any plans in
place, including measures, targets, accountability and reporting,
that will prevent or remediate any environmental damage? 4. Highest
Use: From the perspective of a clean and green economy, will the
recommended option enhance or ensure the highest and best use of
natural capital? Explain. Issues Uncharted territory Civil servants
need to understand the governments long term agenda Balance
rigorous assessment with timeliness and usability Compel horizontal
utilization of experts Must fit with other elements (eg five
capitals of prosperity) Near Term Approach Introduce and test the
Green Screen Begin October, 2008 Apply to economic investment
proposals in 6 depts Address in the environmental issues section of
Cabinet submissions Highlight on one slide in presentations Support
by tools, experts, explaining, & training Longer Term Approach
Use Green Screen to shape policy development Cover additional
categories of proposals Influence policy development at early stage
Connect to Sustainability Assessment Tool Build on the five
capitals of prosperity Use Green Screen as the natural capital
screen
