Canada has an undeserved reputation on the U.S. side of the border for having stronger environmental policies than the Americans...well, at least it was undeserved until Dubya showed up in the White House.
But one thing Ontario and the Canadian national government have that few states do is an independent environmental commissioner, or watchdog. Ontario's just released his annual report and it's a good blend of criticism and praise. It's good to have someone advocating for the environment; too often, environmental agencies see themselves as neutral referees between polluters and environmental champions. Here's a press release on the new report;
http://www.eco.on.ca/english/newsrel/04oct21a.HTM
At the Michigan Environmental Council, Kristin Brooks and I produced a report that urged all Great Lakes jurisdictions, including Michigan, to match the Canadians for watchdogs. Not likely. Arguments against: another layer of bureaucracy; funding is already too scarce. I'd wager a $100K ombudsman's office could produce $10 million of environmental benefits annually.
Here's a link to the report:
http://www.mecprotects.org/GreatLakesReportApr2004.pdf