Federal-State Environmental Programs--The State Perspective

Congress intended that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states should act in partnership to implement federally mandated environmental programs. Generally, the states have implemented these programs, enacted enabling legislation, and provided part of the funding. However, the states believe many obstacles impede their implementation of those programs and are beginning to consider these obstacles when deciding whether to assume more program responsibilities. Because Congress expressed concern about the federal-state relationships in this area, a review was undertaken to determine the managerial problems the states face in implementing environmental programs. By confirming that these obstacles actually exist, GAO tried to determine the impact they have on the federal-state partnership.