Transition Series

GAO presented its views on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program issues facing the new administration.

GAO found that the new administration will need to: (1) manage environmental programs with greater emphasis on achieving measurable environmental results; (2) implement a multimedia approach in monitoring and evaluating changing environmental conditions; (3) rank results-oriented environmental goals in order of priority as a basis for planning and budgeting activities and link them to the EPA financial management system; (4) develop a more effective partnership with states to carry out the nation's pollution abatement efforts; (5) improve the focus and direction of the hazardous waste program; (6) develop a more effective strategy for the Superfund Program that ensures quick site cleanups and that responsible parties share the cleanup costs; (7) ensure that federal agencies comply with environmental regulations; (8) increase EPA evaluation of nonhazardous wastes and determine the federal role in the control of nonhazardous wastes; (9) create a new policy for reducing ground-level ozone to environmentally safe levels; (10) focus increased management attention on the long-term health effects of pesticide products; and (11) develop a comprehensive approach to controlling surface water pollution that recognizes point and nonpoint sources of pollution, to improve the quality of the nation's waterways.