ABSTRACT
After discussing the diversity of local governments and trends in state-local relations, the author uses four case studies focused on Clean Water Act implementation and water quality management to examine state behaviors related to four types of states. First, California’s state water agencies show how progressive states construct sophisticated multi-level institutions that turn local governments into compliance managers. Second, Florida’s experience with collaborative watershed management highlights how struggler states use partnerships to leverage local implementation resources and social capital to achieve shared policy goals. Third, West Virginia demonstrates how delayer states balance conflictual politics with high levels of administrative capacities by engaging community stakeholder groups to develop politically feasible options. Finally, Ohio serves as a prime example of the challenges that face local governments when states retreat from environmental protection and leave them in a vulnerable position to deal with competing pressures from political disinterest, limited capacities, and federal requirements. Case studies indicate there are different patterns of environmental federalism across different types of states.
