This paper uses Rochefort and Cobb's anatomyof problem and Kingdon's agenda building model to explainhow capacity issues involving hazardous and solid wastesfound their way onto the agendas of the United StatesCongress and the State of Tennessee General Assembly.Through this case study, several conclusions are offeredabout agenda building, problem definition, capacityassurance planning and the implications of environmentalproblems reaching agenda status through political avenues.First, although scientific or technical assertions areoften necessary for an environmental issue to reach policyagenda status, neither applies in this case. Instead,political issues (e.g. the perceived failure to sitemanagement facilities) prevailed. Second, the outcome ofthe solution (capacity assurance planning) crystallizedproblems that were not perceived as problems but mighthave proven to be and raised the question of incorrectproblem identification. Third, capacity assuranceplanning is a useful analytical tool but should also beviewed as a valid planning exercise. Finally,sustainability and commitment to solving environmentalproblems even though they may arise through political avenues are crucial.
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