In 1998, state environmental agencies, through the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), and the U.S. EPA formed the Information Management Work Group (IMWG) to address issues related to information management. The IMWG focused on the problem of how data is exchanged between partners.

In 2000, the IMWG completed the National Environmental Information Exchange Network Blueprint. The Blueprint became the conceptual design for how the Exchange Network would use the latest technologies to share and exchange environmental data more effectively and efficiently.

In 2002, the IMWG developed an implementation plan and formed the Network Steering Board (NSB) to guide the implemetation of this national initiative. The NSB, equally represented by senior executives at EPA and the states, oversaw the early implementation of the Exchange Network.

The State/Environmental Protection Agency Information Management Workgroup (IMWG) approved an Exchange Network Business Plan in December 2004/March 2005. The Business Plan proposed the re-alignment of current Network and Standards governance into a new organization, the Exchange Network Leadership Council (ENLC). The ENLC is designed to provide high level leadership and direction for the Network. The primary sub-group of the Council, the Network Operations Board (NOB), is focused on supporting the operational “day to day” issues of running the Network.

The ENLC and NOB are designed to replace and integrate the functions of the Environmental Data Standards Council (EDSC) and Network Steering Board (NSB). This re-organization will help support the continued growth of the Network and its transition from initial implementation into an operational system.