The U.S. is the gold standard for clean air and clean water. We reached that point through private sector innovation and cooperation between Washington and the states to implement our nation's environmental laws.

In this quote, Andrew R. Wheeler, the former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asserts that the U.S. sets the benchmark, or gold standard, for achieving clean air and clean water. He credits the nation's success in improving environmental quality to the combination of private sector innovation and collaboration between Washington and state governments. Wheeler suggests that this partnership has been key to the successful implementation of environmental laws, resulting in significant improvements in environmental protection across the country.

Wheeler’s statement emphasizes the role of innovation in driving environmental progress, specifically the contributions of the private sector in developing new technologies and solutions that help reduce pollution and protect natural resources. At the same time, he highlights the importance of cooperation between federal and state authorities in enforcing and enhancing environmental regulations, which have led to cleaner air and water. This idea reflects the belief that both public policy and market-driven solutions can work together to address environmental challenges.

The origin of this quote stems from Wheeler’s tenure as the head of the EPA, where he advocated for environmental deregulation in certain areas while also promoting policies that encouraged market-driven solutions for environmental issues. He has been a proponent of balancing economic growth with environmental protection, focusing on how innovation and public-private partnerships can lead to positive environmental outcomes. His perspective aligns with a broader political belief in the role of private enterprise in contributing to environmental sustainability.

Ultimately, Wheeler’s quote presents a view that the U.S. has achieved its environmental successes not only through government intervention but also through the efforts of the private sector and state-level initiatives. It reinforces the idea that environmental laws can be effectively implemented when there is a cooperative relationship between the government and industry, leading to better outcomes for both public health and the environment.