This OECD review of environmental policy in the United States recommends more efficient use of energy and water as a way to safeguard economic prosperity while protecting the environment and human health. Despite progress in some areas over the past decade, more effort is needed in others. The OECD recommends that the U.S. play a more proactive role in dealing with global environmental concerns.

The review evaluates the ways in which the U.S. manages air quality, water resources and biodiversity and how it integrates environmental concerns into economic and fiscal policies. It also assesses how well the country meets its international environmental commitments.

Overall, the OECD report urges the United States to increase the efficiency of its environmental management and energy use, projecting that doing so would yield economic benefits. The report also points to a need for greater U.S. leadership in addressing global environmental concerns on climate change, biodiversity and toxic chemicals.