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 government’s 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 ”