Editors' Summary: Legal reforms are sweeping Central and Eastern Europe, including the drafting of new environmental laws. Advisors from western countries, including the United States, are trying to apply lessons learned during the past 20 years to the current law drafting effort. However, the history of environmental regulation and the economic transitions currently taking place make this process unique.

The Article explores different factors that law drafters should consider, such as building confidence in law as an institution and the need for setting realistic environmental goals. It suggests ways that the law drafting effort might be better connected to current priorities during a period of economic and social transition. It explores ways to connect environmental law and environmental results, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of the United States' contribution to the drafting process.