Is ISO 14001 just for the private sector? The answer is definitely “No.” The survey in this article was conducted to better understand how ISO 14001/Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) was being addressed by state agencies around the country. The survey goals were to determine where the focus on ISO 14001/EMSs is within state government, what the level of interest is, and how far states have progressed toward some form of use or recognition of ISO 14001. During the months that this survey was conducted, the progress at the state and federal levels was remarkable. Many states are aggressively moving forward and encouraging the investigation of ISO 14001 implementation. There is a well coordinated effort between several states (the Multi‐State Working Group) to gather data on ISO 14001 effectiveness in a consistent manner. The cooperation between EPA and the states is beginning to solidify, with federal dollars going to state‐managed pilot programs, and EPA has stepped forward with a more organized effort led by the Office of Reinvention.