Federal Water Resources Policy and Decision‐Making: Their Formulation Is Essentially a Political Process Conditioned by Government Structure and Needs

. The effects that politics, government structure, and economic standards have upon federal water resources planning are examined. Water resources policy decisions are treated as a product of political demands which, in turn, are examined as a product of the direct or indirect stakes, or perception thereof, in a policy. Government structure also affects decisions, since it affects political access and, subsequently, power as well as the administrative capacity of government. Economic standards, such as a requirement that water projects contribute to national economic development, arise within a political context. Formulation of federal water resources policy is essentially a political process that is conditioned to some extent by government structure and planning standards such as economic requirements. Thus, recommendations to improve the product of this process must take into account its essential nature. Examples are drawn from the western reclamation and water pollution experiences.