Of all the relationships that shape environmental policy, perhaps the most important and contentious is that between the federal government and the states. There is no clear framework for this relationship, with roles and responsibilities that vary with the issue. The focus of much recent discussion has been on an expanded role for the states and the need to produce better, more efficient policy outcomes. There are number of reasons for and against an expanded state role in setting and implementing environmental policy. For example, while states can be more flexible and innovative they may lack resources to develop and pursue innovative strategies. As meeting our environmental protection challenges becomes ever more expensive, the federal government and state governments have acknowledged that cooperation may produce more cost effective outcomes. The determination to capture potential efficiencies in setting and implementing policies, in short to “get more bang for the buck,” has forced all government actors to rethink the traditional division of labor.

After completing this week’s web-lectures, assignment, readings, and participating in the on-line discussions you will have a better understanding of complex relationship between the states and the federal government, and how it affects environmental policy.