A standardization of nature? The discursive structure and dynamics of environmental impact analysis

Environmental impact analysis (EIA) was developed in the USA in the late 19 60s, but was not mandated in Norway as a tool for environmental planning un til 1989. In this paper, we investigate how EIA in the Norwegian context co ntributes to the production of knowledge about the environment. Starting fr om the fairly broad diagnosis provided by the concepts of risk society (Ulr ich Beck) and ecological modernization (Maarten Hajer), the assumption is t hat EIA is consistent with a discursive structure emphasizing particularist ic, local and shortterm problems. The study is based on an analysis of EIA guidelines provided by relevant go vernment ministries and two case studies, one examining EIA in relation to a planned road development in Trondheim called 'Nordtangenten', the other i nvestigating EIA in relation to plans for a new site for the furniture chai n IKEA. The results are consistent with expectations about particularism, localness and short-term point of view, but it seems as if the production of knowled ge about the environment provided by EIA is less controlled by the discursi ve structure outlined by guidance manuals and procedures than originally as sumed. While the constructors responsible for performing EIA are clearly di sciplined by considerations about reducing the environmental impact, the EI A documents become partisan in putting the view that the projects under pla nning are environmentally sustainable.