Description
TitleInfluences on and trends in state environmental agency spending
Date Created2018
Other Date2018-05 (degree)
Extent1 online resource (vii, 231 p. : ill.)
DescriptionThis analysis explores how state environmental agency expenditures have changed between 2000 and 2014 and if there is a pattern or set of factors that are associated with or may be influencing these changes. Findings are supplemented by interviews with selected state environmental agency representatives. After an initial bivariate correlation, seven independent variable data sets were selected for more in depth analysis on their potential influence on environmental agency funding levels: population, per capita income, total state expenditures, gross state product, educational attainment, number of environmental agency (full-time equivalent or FTE) employees, and government ideology. State environmental agency expenditures between 2009 and 2014, adjusted to 2014 dollars, were chosen as the dependent variable for regression analysis. On a national level, the independent variable data sets most commonly correlated with state environmental expenditures are gross state product, government ideology, per capita environmental agency FTEs, and educational attainment. Possible explanations for these associations are provided. Correlations among these independent variables and individual state environmental spending levels also are described. Supplementing the statistical analysis, a representative from each state environmental agency was asked to describe the factors that they perceive exert a direct, real-time influence on budgets and staffing levels. Nine state agencies agreed to participate in the survey. Respondents confirm that program responsibilities related to climate change, expanded development of natural resources, or federal mandates have increased substantially. Agency budgets and staffing levels continue to decline and a common sentiment is that state environmental agencies are victims of their own success with funding level increases occurring only as a result of a local environmental need or catastrophe. In addition, even though local environmental quality has improved significantly, most of those interviewed cite a lack of trust as to environmental agency motives by their constituents. The relationships defined by these correlations are not purely technical or administrative, rather they may echo state constituencies political or social priorities. A deeper understanding of the forces influencing state environmental spending would provide policy makers with an increased insight into the values of their electorates.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Noteby Robert P. Blauvelt
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
Languageeng
CollectionGraduate School - Newark Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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