In Colombia, there have been two important reformist periods with regard to environmental public policies (1973-1976 and 1990-1993). In each case, after a certain degree of consolidation, they both entered into decline. This article describes and attempts to explain these processes. Ultimately, the Colombian case demonstrates the enormous difficulties of greening the State, a finding common in developing countries. Additionally, the article shows how each reform was accompanied by a new vision of the relationship between society and the environment. This vision, along with its corresponding policies, however, frequently entered into conflict with processes of economic development.