How meaningful is formal participation in environmental assessments? Examining the case of large-scale linear infrastructure projects in Germany.

Abstract

Public participation informs and underpins the authorities’ decision-making in the approval of large-scale energy and mobility infrastructure projects. Despite well-established knowledge on the prerequisites for meaningful engagement, participatory practices frequently remain limited to fulfilling minimum legal obligations. This contribution examines which requirements for public participation in impact assessments are currently fulfilled and which aspects remain in need of improvement. The analysis focuses on the German approval processes for motorways, railways, and electricity transmission grids. The analysis reveals that, although formal participation requirements remain limited in scope, they offer potential entry points for more meaningful engagement. Particularly, the dimensions of communication, mutual learning, and procedural innovation emerge as key areas for authorities to experiment with and advance participatory practices.