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ECHO State Comparative Maps
The ECHO State Comparative Maps provide a quick interactive way to review national trends and compare states and territories.
- Select an environmental topic area (Water, Hazardous Waste, or Air) by clicking on the tab above the map.
- Choose the piece of information that you would like to see on the map using the left navigation bar, then click "Refresh Map" to see the data that you selected.
- Click on a state for summary level information and direct access to the state's dashboard for additional information.
- Visit the project homepage, or watch the 2/12/2013 State Dashboard and Comparative Maps webinar.
See critical information about the data and state program assessment and known data problems. Due to the transition between CAA national data management systems, the Air map has not been updated since January 31, 2015. EPA is reviewing options for displaying more recent data.
About the Data and Assessing State Performance
State performance is a complex and difficult matter to analyze and explain. Data alone cannot provide a complete picture of performance. Many states have issues with data completeness and accuracy, and without investigation and program knowledge, data can be misleading or misinterpreted. Often, there is important context around data that must be taken into account to provide an accurate picture. For example, not all activities and violations* may be reported, some states are not authorized** to run programs, current year*** data may still be in the process of being reported, and states may have alternative inspection plans. EPA uses data, like the information here, as a starting point for assessing state performance, but not as the sole measure of performance. More in-depth program reviews (see State Review Framework Reports) are used to identify needed state program improvements. While file reviews and management discussions can add to our understanding, the many layers of context and information make it difficult to portray performance in a consistent and transparent way.
* Data shown in the State Comparative Maps are based on data reported to EPA and may not reflect all compliance monitoring/inspections, enforcement or the full extent of noncompliance within a state. State environmental agencies may have more information on activities and noncompliance within their state on their agency websites. Links to state agency websites are provided below each State Dashboard.
** Some states/territories do not have authorization/delegation to enforce any or all regulations implemented under the CAA, CWA and RCRA. In these instances, when State is selected as the implementing Agency, it may appear that no activity was conducted. Activity in these states/territories may be displayed when EPA is selected as the implementing Agency. Where this occurs is:
- Air: American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands
- Hazardous Waste: Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Iowa, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
- Water: Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Puerto Rico
*** The most recent federal fiscal year may not show a complete data set because it has not yet been verified or the year is not completed.
Note: New Jersey is not supplying EPA with required data about its Clean Water Act discharge program as it has not converted to the current program data system (ICIS-NPDES). EPA copied New Jersey's data from the old data system on November 29, 2012. This allows users to see the list of regulated facilities and associated historical activities; however, subsequent state activities are not being reported.