1996 Annual Environmental Conditions Report

Environmental Performance Agreement

Environmental Results

Under the National Environmental Performance Partnership System (NEPPS), state and federal program managers are directed to focus more on "improving environmental results." To achieve this new focus, the NEPPS calls for setting environmental goals and using environmental indicators to keep better track of our progress. We see this new focus as part of the next generation of environmental protection that is starting to emerge and take shape in various ways.

Both Illinois EPA and Region 5 have some experience working with characterization of environmental conditions. Illinois EPA has historically collected ambient environmental quality data and reported findings in various ways. Under the NEPPS, however, we think that more attention must be paid to developing improved linkages between actual environmental conditions and program performance so that we can better assess our effectiveness over time. It should also help us to apply our resources where they will do the most good.

A. Environmental Goals and Indicators

In the FY 96 agreement, Illinois EPA committed to provide for public review of the proposed environmental goals/indicators. In particular, we wanted to be sure that interested stakeholders had an opportunity for direct discussions with key program staff that developed the goals/indicators. We also wanted to see what these stakeholders thought about the new Annual Environmental Conditions Report. To provide for this public review, we held two workshops; one in Chicago on April 25, 1996, and one in Springfield on April 26. We sent out letters to selected stakeholders and requested their participation. The draft annual report was sent to these persons about a week before the workshops. USEPA representatives participated in both sessions so they could get first-hand feedback about our proposed goals/indicators report. Senior staff from Illinois EPA and Region 5 made presentations at both workshops. Illinois EPA staff led, and Region 5 staff attended breakout sessions at both workshops. In addition, Debra Martin, from USEPA’s Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, made a presentation at the Chicago workshop about the national goals project. To facilitate the dialogue process, four breakout sessions were conducted for multimedia, air quality, land quality and water quality. Participants were encouraged to take part in as many sessions as they wanted. In this way, our program staff could interact with more stakeholders and hear more viewpoints about our work. A summary record of these sessions was prepared and made available. We were generally pleased with the turnout and satisfied that we got a good cross-section of views. As a result of this public process, Illinois EPA and Region 5 agreed on a final set of 23 goals and 26 indicators.

For FY 97, the agreement contains 25 goals and 25 indicators to reflect the expanded programmatic scope. These measurement tools are presented within the description for each of the participating programs. We see these goals as a useful way to focus more attention on environmental results and to guide program planning. We do not view these goals as specific deliverables that involve accountability for grants purposes. In other words, program success does not hinge solely on attainment of particular goals. Establishment of these environmental targets gives programs a more clear sense of direction and certainly sound performance should show some progress towards the desired outcome. It must be understood, however, that some environmental conditions are influenced by factors beyond the normal control of an environmental program. Thus, actual attainment of a goal may be compromised even though program performance went very well by most measures. Even with such limitations, we believe it has been useful to go through the goal setting process and to work on program linkages.

B. Annual Environmental Conditions Report

In July, 1996, Illinois EPA released the final Annual Environmental Conditions Report - 1995. This report presents a full account of our environmental progress for the 23 environmental goals and 26 environmental indicators. It also has a summary record of the two public workshops that were held to get stakeholder involvement and response. Thus, we have gotten underway with placing greater emphasis on environmental results.

From year to year, we expect to gain more understanding regarding the directional influences between the goals/indicators and the performance of these environmental programs. Eventually, we envision a two-way, inter-active relationship will develop. Performance strategies are designed to achieve progress towards the desired environmental outcomes. In turn, information gathered for the indicators may influence the program directions that are taken.

For FY 97, we expect to have the final annual report completed in April to be consistent with the joint planning and evaluation process. Region 5 will be provided a draft of each annual report and may contribute any information that is relevant. This report will also be shared with the other five states in Region 5 and the other states that border Illinois. Through this exchange process, we should learn more about how well the environmental indicators are working and share our experiences in striving for environmental results.