For the past three decades, our environmental protection system of federal laws and state enforcement has made great progress - our air is cleaner, hundreds of contaminated sites have been cleaned up, hazardous and solid waste is well managed and water quality has been improved.

But, as we look to the future, there are major changes that need to be considered if we are to continue to make progress.

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In many cases, EPA oversight is based on outdated measures of what constitutes environmental success. Our national laws need to be updated to recognize this problem and reward innovation and improved performance by states.

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Environmental policy is often decided in an overly politicized atmosphere through the legislative process and in appointed commissions. Industry is powerful in these forums, and typically environmental advocates are seriously under-represented. The best public policy results from good balance among the competing interests.