A survey of the 50 state environmental agencies asked about personnel power and research needs in 11 specific areas (administration, behavioral and social science, education and information, environmental health, environmental protection, epidemiology, laboratory, law, occupational health, policy and planning, and statistics). Four in-depth telephone interviews completed the data collection process to determine whether universities and schools and graduate programs in public health filled these needs. Agencies felt their resources were least adequate in epidemiology and behavioral and social science. They did not feel their research needs were well met by state colleges and universities. There was a general feeling that universities and schools and programs in public health have different agendas than state environmental agencies, and that practical solutions are not forthcoming from these resources. Finally, suggestions are made as to what can be done to improve relationships between those who train environmental health personnel and those who employ them.