Participation of Ecological Organizations in Administrative Proceedings Related to Issuing a Decision on Environmental Conditions of a Project

Abstract

Today ecological organizations are an important participant of the proceedings relating to a decision on the environmental conditions of a project. A large number of such organizations and their activities in the context of such proceedings are significant and affect public administration activities. The legislature accepted participation of social organizations in environmental proceedings if in the public interest. Assumptions show that unfortunately this does not meet the current rules and regulations of the Code of Administrative Proceedings governing special administrative procedures. The legislature is trying to restrict the participation of social organizations in administrative proceedings, treating it as a "necessary evil", not noticing that the legitimacy and effectiveness of public administration also depends on ensuring proper operation of the mechanisms of social control. Consequently, limiting the possibility of public interests’ articulation by the local community and social organizations, as part of the normal administrative procedures, causes significantly increased social conflictuality of each investment at the stage of environmental review.