Power/energy: A rational approach to power plant siting: A technique that integrates economic, environmental, and site-specific data could result in better decisions

A technique that integrates economic, environmental, and site-specific data is based on the development of analytical tools. A prototype set of tools has been designed that allow analysis of environmental impact and cost/impact tradeoffs without requiring data on actual sites. Hierarchy of environmental and siting tools for power plant siting decisions includes computer models for generation expansion and facility siting (top) and tools for environmental screening and impact (lower level).