As state and local governments in the U.S. respond to demanding and complex environmental challenges, environmental policies and best practices from overseas are serving as important models. The reasons are clear – countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Australia have addressed similar environmental challenges by developing and implementing creative and often highly successful solutions. The adaptation of international best practices and innovation in environmental policies represents an important and powerful paradigm shift – from one of exporting environmental expertise and dollars, to one of importing good ideas from around the globe.

A paper by Dale Medearis and Brian Swett.

Dale Medearis, formerly of the U.S. EPA's Office of International Affairs, is currently Navigator for the Potomac American Heritage River Initiative
Brian Swett is an environmental protection specialist in U.S. EPA's Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation.