Best available technology

The best available technology or best available techniques (BAT) is the technology approved by legislators or regulators for meeting output standards for a particular process, such as pollution abatement. Similar terms are best practicable means or best practicable environmental option. BAT is a moving target on practices, since developing societal values and advancing techniques may change what is currently regarded as "reasonably achievable", "best practicable" and "best available".

A literal understanding will connect it with a "spare no expense" doctrine which prescribes the acquisition of the best state of the art technology available, without regard for traditional cost-benefit analysis.^[1] In practical use, the cost aspect is also taken into account.^[2] See also discussions on the topic of the precautionary principle which, along with considerations of best available technologies and cost-benefit analyses, is also involved in discussions leading to formulation of environmental policies and regulations (or opposition to same).

^ Sinden, Amy (2014). "Cost-Benefit Analysis, Ben Franklin, and the Supreme Court" (PDF). UC Irvine Law Review. University of California, Irvine School of Law. Retrieved 2016-07-04.
^ Sorrell, Steve (2001-02-19). "The Meaning of BATNEEC: Interpreting Excessive Costs in UK Industrial Pollution Regulation". sussex.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 2008-02-01. Retrieved 2007-08-09.

[1] Sinden, Amy (2014). "Cost-Benefit Analysis, Ben Franklin, and the Supreme Court" (PDF). UC Irvine Law Review. University of California, Irvine School of Law. Retrieved 2016-07-04.

[2] Sorrell, Steve (2001-02-19). "The Meaning of BATNEEC: Interpreting Excessive Costs in UK Industrial Pollution Regulation". sussex.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 2008-02-01. Retrieved 2007-08-09.

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