Stakeholder Conflict and Environmental Policy Creation: The Colorado Roadless Controversy

• In Event: Environmental Policy and Behavior Change: The Rhetoric of Energy, Water and Climate Change

Abstract

In the current sociopolitical climate, mutli-stakeholder conflict pervades access to, use, and proper management of natural and associated environmental resources. An example of these dynamics was evident in the recent policy process surrounding the establishment of Colorado’s Roadless Rule. Our examination of this case explores the intersection of access to public land and development of energy resources and highlights the discourse as a site of stakeholder politics and contestation. Drawing upon news articles from local, regional and national newspapers as well as stakeholder interviews, this case highlights (a) devolution of governmental control, (b) various contradicting perspectives toward environmental preservation, and (c) securing energy for economic gain.

Author

• Todd Norton, Washington State University