The Evolving Matrix of Environmental Federalism and Intergovernmental Relationships

Using Daniel Elazar's metaphor of federalism as a matrix, as expanded by Robert Agranoff, this article explores how state and national political and administrative actors continue to redefine environmental federalism. The willingness of states to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over concerns that the agency is not protecting the environment illustrates the political and legal spotlight under which the matrix evolves. Outside the public purview, EPA and state environmental program administrators attempted to shore up programs rocked by reduced budgets and shifting priorities, while also adjusting to a new system of federal-state partnerships, the National Environmental Performance Partnership System.