Throughout the past quarter, NEC staff were busy assisting legislators as they wrapped up sessions, creating new comprehensive resources, and elevating states’ successes through regional and national events. NEC also grew its staff by hiring a new Environmental Health Manager, Ocean Manager, Sustainable Agriculture and Water Specialist, and Digital Coordinator. Learn more about NEC’s new team members.
Youth Outdoor Policy Playbook Relaunch: The Youth Outdoor Policy Partnership launched a new and refreshed version of the Policy Playbook housed within the NEC website. The new site shares tools and inspiration to promote equitable outdoor access for all youth and includes current bill tracking, policy trends, and spotlights of community organizations. View the New Site
2024 Northwest Technical Recycling Expedition: Seven legislators and staffers from six states participated in a three-day trip with the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network. Attendees traveled from Vancouver to Portland and visited 12 recycling and waste sites learning about best practices for extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit return system (DRS) policies. Learn More
State Leadership to Conserve Nature: In partnership with the Center for American Progress, NEC hosted an event highlighting state leadership on 30×30 conservation. The event included speakers from California and Colorado and legislators from Maryland and New Mexico with keynote remarks by CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory. Learn More
Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW): Executive Director Dylan McDowell and NEC’s new Ocean Program Manager Alissa Weinman attended CHOW during the first week of June. NEC also helped place NEC Board Member and former Alaska House Minority Speaker Beth Kerttula and Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr on panels to amplify the importance of State and Tribal engagement in ocean conservation policy.
Northwest Transmission and Energy Convening: A bipartisan group of 15 legislators from four states gathered in Spokane, Washington to discuss regional transmission and energy needs. Legislators represented Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Learn More
Federal Engagement
FERC Planning Rule Released: Following FERC’s release of Order 1920, NEC organized a briefing for state legislators breaking down what the rule means and what state legislators need to know to encourage robust and ambitious implementation of the ruling.
Digging Deeper: In October 2023, over 230 legislators from 43 states called on FERC to strengthen and finalize the long-term planning rule. Upon the release of the rule, legislators followed up with support for the rule.
White House Grid-Enhancing Technologies Summit: NEC staff coordinated with the White House Climate Policy Office in planning a legislator panel for the White House Summit on Modernizing the Power Grid. Three NEC members participated on a panel to highlight successful state policies and discuss ways states can continue to work with the federal government to upgrade and expand existing transmission lines. Learn More
Resources
State Policy to Conserve Nature: A new report, in partnership with the Center for American Progress, highlights state land conservation policy models.
Read More:Op-ed piece from NEC’s Kate Burgess and CAP’s Drew McConville highlighting the report and strong state action.
Transmission Briefing Book: This comprehensive resource provides an overview of transmission, how to maximize existing transmission infrastructure, how to create new transmission entities and mandates, and ways to integrate public interest into planning and development.
State of the States: A Look at How Far U.S. State Habitat Connectivity Legislation Has Advanced and What is Working: This report,released in partnership with Wildlands Network, analyzes habitat connectivity legislation from the past 25 years to identify the key trends and drivers. It is designed for policymakers in states with and without connectivity legislation to see successful models and analyze existing laws for implementation and gaps.
Partnerships
NEC and Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) Renew Partnership: NEC and NAP renewed its partnership through a new MOU for the year. This includes extending a learning series for state legislators and finding more ways to foster relationships between states and Tribes toward shared environmental goals.
