Are there regulatory incentives associated with the implementation of an EMS?
Many governmental agencies are beginning to recognize the limits to “command and control” environmental regulation, and some have expressed interest in environmental management standards as a compliment to regulation. In addition, regulators are beginning to recognize the commitment of organizations implementing ISO 14001 to improving environmental conditions and are offering some type of regulatory relief, such as easier permitting, fewer inspections, and streamlined reporting to those who implement EMS. There are two national programs administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): the National Performance Track Program and the Action Plan for Promoting the Use of Environmental Management Systems. Twenty-nine states have implemented incentive programs of various kinds. States with some form of EMS incentive program include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, M
