Introduction. -- Examining the case for decentralized policymaking. -- Interjurisdictional regulatory competition and fears about competitiveness. -- The alternatives to decentralization: contracts versus institutions. -- The United States: greening through centralization. -- Switzerland: the power of referenda in a noncentralized system. -- Canada: when centralization does not occur. -- The European Union: setting stringent standards despite the obstacles. -- Conclusion.

1. Federal government
2. Environmental policy