Outsourcing

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

OUTSOURCING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Apparently in response to the recommendations of the Defense Reform
Initiative, the Defense Department and the armed services are
increasingly relying upon contractors to run their environmental
programs. It's one thing to ask a contractor to characterize a site or
publicize a conference, but decision-making and accountability should
remain in the hands of government employees. Historically, some of the
worst aspects of the Energy Department's environmental program can be
attributed to its overreliance upon contractor personnel.

I would like to hear from subscribers and other readers. Have you seen
an increase in Defense Department outsourcing of environmental
responsibility? If so, how has it affected the programs with which you
deal?

Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 222B View St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/968-1126
lsiegel@cpeo.org