Doctrine of Coordination –

KNRC members have joined together for collective Coordination on natural-resource and environmental policy initiatives, as well as to respond to Federal governmental actions.  Each KNRC county has adopted by Resolution a Natural Resource Land Use Plan codifying its authority to expect Coordination with Federal governmental agencies – either independently or as part of the Coalition.

The Doctrine of Coordination is defined for Federal Agencies in The Federal Land Management and Policy Act (FLPMA).  Not only does FLPMA outline the standard for Coordination, but its requirement applies in pari matera  across the entire Body of Statutory Federal Law, Executive Orders, and other governing mandates.

Coordination is a process requiring Federal Agencies to include local government in a meaningful fashion, and it must be distinguished from “Consultation” or the subordinate, NEPA status of “Cooperation.” Coordination gives local government equal standing, full and no-cost access to agency information, the opportunity to review science, and the ability to understand, review and question alternatives during Federal Rulemaking processes.

The requirement for Federal agencies to Coordinate with each and every requesting County government has long been recognized by Executive Branch, the Courts and Federal Agencies. The Coordination process is codified in Statute, through Executive Orders, and in Policy Mandates; time and again it has been justified by agency decisions, through Judicial Review and by Coordination of Federal Activities with local governments across the nation.

Experience demonstrates collaborative Federal and local governments elicit less resistance, are more efficient, use fewer resources, and offer the greatest potential benefit to the human and natural environments. History has – and will – demonstrate Federal Rules that neglect, ignore or dismiss local concerns can be reversed through judicial action, neutralized through defunding, or marginalized through interposition, nullification or outright non-implementation.