Environmental Decentralization: Seeking the Proper Balance between National and State Authority

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Date

Oct. 27, 2005

Authors

Stanley Laskowski, Richard D. Morgenstern, and Allen Blackman

Publication

Working Paper

Reading time

1 minute

This paper examines the United States’ experience with environmental decentralization, focusing on the relationship between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states. It outlines the factors that are considered in determining the appropriate degree of decentralization, the advantages and disadvantages of decentralization, how the EPA-state relationship has evolved over the years, and the structural mechanisms used to ensure that there is a high degree of performance by EPA and the states in administering the programs. Program-specific examples of the EPA-state relationship are also provided.

Topics

Data and Decision Tools

Authors

Stanley Laskowski

Richard D. Morgenstern

Senior Fellow

Richard Morgenstern is a senior fellow at RFF. His research focuses on the economic analysis of environmental issues with an emphasis on the costs, benefits, evaluation, and design of environmental policies.

Allen Blackman

Nonresident Fellow

Allen Blackman is a nonresident fellow at RFF. His work on industrial pollution control analyzes public disclosure programs, economic incentive instruments, and voluntary regulation.

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