Post-truth, alternative facts and the role of the Environmental Protection Authority

Abstract The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) administers six Acts and is charged with making net benefit decisions for New Zealand. Regulatory Science, which is supported by the research results from traditional science, enables evaluation of evidence, risks and uncertainties. To take appropriate account of the Treaty of Waitangi, an external Māori advisory group works with a focussed staff unit to ensure that Māori values are included in the decision-making process. Society is also included through consultation and hearings, and it is in the context of increasing global suspicion of government, media and science in general that the role of the EPA is increasingly about education and engagement, while continuing to make decisions that protect the environment whilst enhancing lifestyle and the economy. Keywords: communication, HSNO, net benefit, policy, regulatory science, risk analysis, RMA, trust, values