| Abstract: | This article examines the manner in which hazardous waste, alreadybeing labeled the major environmental issue of the 1980s, isbeing accommodated in a period of evolving intergovernmentalrelations. Hazardous waste is a technological problem with economicovertones and political consequences. The governmental mechanismsset up to tackle the issue are understandably complex and, someobservers argue, fall short of the mark. Special attention isgiven to the pivotal role played by state governments. Devolutionof operational responsibilities as well as policymaking authoritymake the states important. Thus far, the evidence regardingstate performance is mixed. Instances of policy innovation existalongside of functional evasion. Interstate competition andlimited financial resources remain confounding factors. Reconfiguredfederalism may emerge. |
