Patterns of Intergovernmental Relations in Environmental Cleanup at Federal Facilities

Abstract

The authority of both federal and state environmental regulators is involved in decisions about regulating the cleanup of contaminated sites at federal facilities. This study examines tripartite relationships amongEPA regional offices, state environmental regulatory agencies, and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities during the process of cleaning up Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) sites at two federal facilities. The analysis found regularpatterns of conflict and cooperation in CERCLA cleanup programs at Weldon Spring, Missouri, and Reese AirForce Base, Texas. DOD and DOE, as lead agencies, generally frustrated active participation by state environmental regulatory agencies in the federal cleanup process. States used other environmental regulations to obtain authority overfederal CERCLA sites with varying levels of success. States'success in gaining authority over federal CERCLA sites depended on EPA regional offices' support of states' efforts.