Summary: In the wake of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, Congress established demonstration programs to spur local citizen oversight of oil and tanker operations in Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet. A citizen advisory council funded by the oil industry was set up at each location to monitor the environmental impact of crude oil transport. In GAO's view, the demonstration programs produced many positive changes, significantly boosting citizen participation in environmental oversight. The programs have yet to evolve, however, into the effective citizen-industry-government partnership that Congress initially envisioned. Early disagreements, along with continuing dissension and mistrust, have slowed the development of the partnerships and have limited further improvements to environmental oversight and safety. In addition, participation by a key federal agency--the Environmental Protection Agency--is still lacking in one of the councils. Recent steps taken to improve the partnership are encouraging and should improve relations among the councils, industry, and government. It is premature, however, to conclude that communication and trust will improve to the point that the long-term success of the programs is ensured. If the programs are successful, they could serve as useful models for further program expansion. Periodic reports to Congress on the model programs' status, however, are not required.
