A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that helps solve a problem. White papers are used to educate readers and help people make decisions, and are often requested and used in politics, policy, business, and technical fields.

White papers are first introduced in a preliminary form to an ESA Standing Committee for review. Upon approval by the committee the position paper is presented to the Executive Committee for review and comment. Before being adopted as an official white paper of the association on a particular issue, the position paper must receive final approval from the ESA Board of Directors.