ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the trajectory of environmental policies in two Amazonian states of Brazil: Acre and Amazonas. In both cases it identifies a set of innovative environmental policies that marked the state administration and have endured for almost 16 years in Acre and 12 years in Amazonas. In case of Acre, change meant a new elite coming to power, whereas in Amazonas elections brought a change within the ruling elite. Nevertheless, the outcomes of this change were no less impressive than in Acre. The chapter briefly discusses the relation between the states and the federal government, and role that each one can play in environmental policies. It examines how governors of Acre and Amazonas engaged in politics outside the state arena, specifically in negotiations to affect carbon policies in federal and international arena and, after leaving office, as senators. Concerning innovation, even though Acre started earlier, Amazonas policies gained more visibility.
