Chemical Watch quoted Lynn L. Bergeson discussing California’s influence on US and world regulatory programs: " 'In a word, size matters,' said Lynn L. Bergeson. 'California's economy is the eighth largest in the world if it is compared to those of whole countries, and it accounts for 13% of US gross domestic product (GDP). The state has a rich, and well-deserved, reputation as a trendsetter. Its approach to the regulation of volatile organic compounds has been adopted by the federal US EPA because of its proven track record and recognised efficacy. When California implements a new regulatory programme, it has our attention. Its economy is too big to ignore, and its record tells us its programmes are too well-conceived to fail.' "