States implement most environmental protection programs, so we are often the first to recognize innovative solutions for environmental problems. Each year for the past three years, ECOS has compiled state program and implementation innovations. These cover the complete range of environmental protection, including delegated and non-delegated programs. ECOS has now compiled hundreds of these innovations. Some of these State ideas have been nationally recognized by Innovations Awards programs such as those of The Council of State Governments and Harvard University.
States are committed to the state-federal partnership in environmental protection.
Perhaps it should be replaced by a set of mutually agreed upon national goals and standards, which would be achieved by the states in the manner we deem most appropriate, and supplemented by local goals and standards that meet the specific needs of the states. After all, you are not likely to see the same environmental problems in South Carolina as you would in Utah because the states have such different ecologies. Some people still believe that it's 1970 and that the states can't be trusted to protect the environment. We believe the facts presented here today give the real story States are leaders in environmental protection and committed to protecting the health and environment of the citizens we serve. Mr. Chairman, thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you today.