Despite a generation's experience with increasingly detailed federal and state environmental legislation, most urban growth is still out of control. The environmental impact statement has undoubtedly made new projects more responsive to environmental concerns, but the review process is cumbersome and applies only to major developments. But rapid growth continues to create new environmental problems. Most development is still the result of thousands of local decisions made by individual communities about separate projects. Development regulations in the U. S. have traditionally been delegated by the states to local government, and home rule on development issues is strongly established and unlikely to change.
Sustainable development is nevertheless possible.
Taken together and combined with existing environmental legislation, they would add up to successful regional growth management and local design. Laws establishing growth limits around existing cities and relating new development to the availability of infrastructure and public facilities. Local zoning that ties development directly to the carrying capacity of the natural landscape and environment. Public policies that make the creation of communities the primary objective of development regulation. Restoration of natural landscapes in by-passed and derelict urban areas, and other policies to restore vitality to older cities.