Performance Track: Its Past, Present and Future

by Ritter, Holly

In this Master’s Project, I reviewed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Performance Track program to understand its strengths and weaknesses during its existence. This paper discusses the origins of the Performance Track program, its purpose, who participated, what the benefits and costs were, what role politics played, the end of the program and what the future may hold for new voluntary programs.

My analysis of this program did show both significant cost and benefits with Performance Track. The costs came in the form of participant’s time to complete required forms, paperwork and audit processes. Successes were seen with active participants willing to stay the course of slow, steady program growth which included face to face contact with regulators. More tangible benefits such as regulatory relief and permit flexibility did not develop. Analysis shows only small tangible benefits for just a few sites. Critics and the EPA felt a disconnect between program goals and actual performance at sites. The program did not result in significant regulatory change. Valuable information has come from this voluntary effort and could help shape what might come next.