This paper summarizes an early part of a wider research project on decision making and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) processes. The screening phase of EA has been explored very little even though it represents the starting point of decision making about SEA. Activities in the Lazio and V eneto regions were investigated and evaluated. This study highlighted that generally neither Lazio nor Veneto subjected their plans and programmes to SEA. This tendency is also confirmed in cases where many critical elements exist and also when some
relevant institutional opinions have certified the need for evaluation. The results reveal that, in this way, Strategic Environmental Assessment appears as a planning tool which is considered marginal for sustainable development aims.