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Best available technology
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<p>The best available technology or best available techniques (BAT) is the technology approved by legislators or regulators for meeting output <a href="/facts/Technical_standard/P4orT1SM">standards</a> for a particular process, such as <a href="/facts/Pollution_abatement/JRagxumQ">pollution abatement</a>. Similar terms are <i>best practicable means</i> or <i>best practicable environmental option</i>. 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". </p><p>A literal understanding will connect it with a "spare no expense" <a href="/facts/Doctrine/MtDwPUVg">doctrine</a> which prescribes the acquisition of the best state of the art <a href="/facts/Technology/9Uav5WVR">technology</a> available, without regard for traditional <a href="/facts/Cost-benefit_analysis/xjHXgIAF">cost-benefit analysis</a>. In practical use, the cost aspect is also taken into account. See also discussions on the topic of the <a href="/facts/Precautionary_principle/g2p0mez8">precautionary principle</a> which, along with considerations of <i>best available technologies</i> and <i>cost-benefit analyses</i>, is also involved in discussions leading to formulation of environmental policies and regulations (or opposition to same). </p>