ABSTRACT
The author explains how patterns of state behavior within environmental federalism are largely driven by political incentives and administrative capacities. The four types of states identified by the author largely conform to patterns based on the combination of incentives and capacities that shape the context in which environmental protection is offered. Based on the examination, the author considers the prospects for environmental federalism and concludes that as institutional features it is likely to remain intact, although adaptation will be necessary in order to meet the challenges of climate change. Additionally, the author argues that for environmental federalism, as a theoretical framework, to remain relevant it needs to be further integrated with theories of environmental governance. Finally, the author suggests additional research questions and points of inquiry, including other political or administrative factors that may explain state behaviors, patterns of horizontal intergovernmental interactions and collaborative relationships with non-governmental organizations, how political and administrative dimensions evolve over time, and whether these findings apply to other federal systems.
