Policy Analysis and Research

Ross & Associates conducts objective and insightful analysis to help our clients address complex environmental policy challenges, evaluate new approaches to achieve better environmental results using fewer resources, and communicate effectively with the public and key stakeholders. Drawing from expert interviews, literature reviews, and data analysis, we tailor our research and publications to the specific needs and objectives of our clients. We engage clients during the research and analysis process to ensure that products are useful as well as high quality. Furthermore, our graphics-design and Web site-development skills allow us to create final products that are visually appealing, easy to understand, and tailored to key audiences. We consolidate differing data formats and standards to create products that bridge subject areas and facilitate information sharing across agencies. We also develop Web-based tools, spreadsheets, and practical toolkits that clients and stakeholders can use to analyze data, share information, and evaluate policy options. We have a wide range of content expertise—covering all types of environmental contamination, ecosystem and natural resource management challenges, and effective governance practices—and are able to take advantage of synergies across disciplines.

Selected Projects in This Area

Flexible Air Permitting Pilot Evaluation Report

In 2000-2003 Ross & Associates provided policy evaluation and analytic support to a partnership between EPA’s Office of Policy Analysis and Review (OPAR), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS), and Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation (OPEI) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation experience with innovative flexible air permits.

Read more »

RCRA 2020 Vision

Ross & Associates supported all aspects of a state/EPA collaboration to develop a new vision for the future of the national waste prevention and management program administered under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The first phase of work culminated in 2002 with issuance of a new 20-year vision that calls for EPA and the states to move beyond traditional end-of-life management approaches to reinvent waste programs using a lifecycle thinking and a sustainable materials-management approach. Ross & Associates supported EPA and the states in all aspects of the Vision project, including workgroup facilitation and documentation…

Read more »

Lean Government Primer: Working Smart for Environmental Protection

Working Smart for Environmental ProtectionRoss & Associates worked with EPA and state environmental agencies from Iowa, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nebraska to develop a primer on government agency use of Lean and Six Sigma called, “Working Smart for Environmental Protection: Improving State Agency Processes with Lean and Six Sigma.” These five state environmental agencies were among the first to implement Lean, seeing results such as significantly reduced permit application backlogs, decreased times for permit reviews by more than 50 percent, simplified permit application forms, improved consistency of permit applications, and increased staff time available for “mission critical” work.

Read more »