A Collaborative Network for State Legislators
The National Environmental Caucus serves as a resource to connect and inform lawmakers working on environmental solutions.
2026 National Forum
NEC hosted its annual National Forum in Chicago, Illinois, from Thursday, July 23, to Saturday, July 25, 2026. The gathering brought together over 200 legislators from 44 states and territories.
Legislators from 43 States and Territories Oppose USDA’s Effort to Rescind the “Roadless Rule”
A bipartisan group of 232 state legislators from 43 states and territories submitted a formal comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opposing the proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the “Roadless Rule”).
How the National Environmental Caucus Drives Impact
The National Environmental Caucus empowers state legislators with the knowledge and network they need to protect, conserve, and improve the natural and human environment.
Legislative Peer Network
As an organization formed by and for state legislators, the National Environmental Caucus facilitates peer connections and learning between legislators from all 50 states and both major parties.
Convening & Connecting
Members expand their environmental knowledge through National Environmental Caucus events such as: online and in-person regional events, immersive learning tours, and the annual National Environmental Caucus National Forum.
Research & Education
Members gain access to nationwide policy tracking, a Resource Library, and staff available to assist with research into environmental issue areas.
Creating a Collaborative Environment
The National Environmental Caucus serves as a trusted resource for state legislators in every state. Our goal is to act as a source of reliable information, connection, and research for our members.
Explore the Environmental Policy Landscape
The National Environmental Caucus living policy library and bill tracker are used by lawmakers nationally to quickly get an overview of legislative trends across the country, with the ability to explore legislation in detail.
News & Events
Discover the upcoming events we’re hosting and stay ahead of the latest environmental policy news and trends.
2026 Energy Affordability Leaders Summit
Join NEC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from December 6-9 for a convening of energy affordability leaders.
2026 MRLC Forum Recap
State legislators from across seven states convened in Jackson, Mississippi, for the 2026 Mississippi River Legislative Caucus (MRLC) Forum, where they explored how to support one of the most economically and socially consequential waterways.
Legislators from 43 States and Territories Oppose USDA’s Effort to Rescind the “Roadless Rule”
A bipartisan group of 232 state legislators from 43 states and territories submitted a formal comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opposing the proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the “Roadless Rule”).
“[The National Environmental Caucus] has been tremendously helpful in connecting me with other legislators in this space and offering resources and encouragement. It's wonderful to be connected with a community of people who care as much about environmental concerns as I do.”
Senator Lisa Cutter
Colorado
“The day I spent with NEC at the [2023 pre-forum] event changed my level of understanding of transmission from zero to being ready to introduce legislation on this topic. I can't stress enough the level of expertise that NEC has and how good they are at what they do.”
Representative Mark Gamba
Oregon
“All states approach land and water conservation differently. Facilitating connections among policymakers, via Zoom and in person, NEC allows us to share and learn from one another while embracing our differences. It’s critical, as we set goals for conserving and restoring our lands and waters for future generations, that no matter the approach each state takes to achieving those goals, biodiversity remains the focus. Working together we can build state policies with integrity.”
Representative Amy Sheldon
Vermont
“The ubiquity of PFAS chemicals is a public health crisis and lack of awareness has been a major obstacle in stopping their production and use. NEC is a great resource for policy and data, as well as best practices and strategies in other states.”
Representative Nima Kulkarni
Kentucky
“NEC has helped me to cultivate relationships that have allowed me to think through and reflect ideas rooted in my spaces, and seeing how they can also transform the rest of the nation--for the better.”
Representative Angelica Rubio
New Mexico
Resources
The National Environmental Caucus Resources Library contains an extensive collection of concise and actionable fact sheets, one-pagers, and briefing books designed to provide busy lawmakers with the key insights they need.
Quarterly Impact Report
Summer 2026 was a season of immense momentum for National Environmental Caucus. The National Forum in Chicago was our biggest yet, bringing together state lawmakers for learning, connection, and collaboration.
Wetlands Toolkit
Wetlands are among the world’s most valuable and productive ecosystems, containing habitat and refuge for dense biodiversity while providing numerous benefits to humans. However, wetlands are also the most endangered ecosystems in the world.
Ecological Restoration and State Permitting Fact Sheet
For over 50 years, U.S. environmental laws and regulations, like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act, have helped nature rebound — many rivers once considered open sewers have been transformed into healthier systems. Despite this progress, ecological recovery is often stymied when these activities are regulated through the same permitting process designed to reduce environmental destruction. Ecological restoration focuses on improving current conditions, while regulations are built to protect natural resources from change, even if those ecosystems are degraded. This misalignment creates friction, delays, and ultimately prevents degraded ecosystems from being restored. State legislators have a real opportunity to improve permitting for ecological restoration and help these projects move forward faster.
Every year, the National Environmental Caucus tracks thousands of active state bills across the country to provide lawmakers with an easy-to-use guide on trending environmental legislation.
Formed by and for state legislators, the National Environmental Caucus’ reputation is built on being a reliable source of information and peer connections.
National Environmental Caucus members come from both major parties, rural and urban districts, and include longtime and newly elected legislators.
Support the Network
Your generosity helps create opportunities for state legislators to meet, collaborate, and improve lives in their states.
Subscribe to the National Environmental Caucus Newsletter
Stay up to date on upcoming events, opportunities to expand your network, and the latest environmental policy trends from across the U.S.
