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. Looking ahead, NEC is entering a busy fall event calendar, with programming focused on energy affordability, water management, climate, offshore energy, and more. We are also continuing to expand our programming with an increasing focus on experiential learning that give legislators firsthand insights to inform solutions to environmental challenges back home.
Events
2026 National Forum: In late July, NEC brought together more than 200 legislators from 44 states and territories in Chicago for its largest National Forum to date, celebrating 30 years of state-led environmental leadership. Across three days, lawmakers explored pressing challenges and actionable solutions spanning energy affordability, disaster resilience, housing, transportation, biodiversity, and more. Through plenary and breakout sessions, hands-on learning tracks, and opportunities to connect across state lines, attendees shared practical approaches and built relationships to carry this work forward in their states. Learn more about the 2026 National Forum in our Recap Blog.
European Circular Policy Expedition: In early July, NEC partnered with Circle to bring 11 legislators and legislative staff from eight states to Austria and Slovakia for the European Circular Policy Expedition. Participants gained firsthand insight into how established Deposit Return Systems (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs operate, exploring lessons relevant to growing state efforts to reduce plastic waste and strengthen packaging and recycling policies. Read more in our Recap Blog.
Energy Affordability Policy and Messaging Webinar: In September, NEC hosted a webinar on lowering energy bills, bringing together 134 legislators and policy professionals for an actionable briefing on state strategies to address rising utility costs. The webinar highlighted NEC’s new Energy Affordability Briefing Book and Messaging Toolkit, sharing policy options, communications strategies, and legislative perspectives to help states deliver near-term relief while building a more affordable, resilient clean energy future.
Southeast Energy Affordability Summit: In September, NEC convened legislators from across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina for the Southeast Energy Affordability Summit in Atlanta, bringing together policymakers and experts to explore practical strategies for lowering energy costs and strengthening grid reliability. Through policy discussions, hands-on site visits to a data center and sustainable building training center, and interactive sessions on utility regulation, distributed energy, and consumer protections, participants gained firsthand insights and actionable tools to advance energy affordability in their states.
Western Water Convening: In September, NEC convened legislators and policy experts in Fort Collins, Colorado for a Western Water Summit focused on water security, governance, and resilience across the Colorado River Basin. Participants explored the impacts of climate change and water scarcity, state and Tribal water relationships, and strategies for managing agricultural, industrial, and municipal demand. A field tour of the Chimney Hollow Reservoir provided firsthand insight into collaborative approaches to meeting growing water needs, while interactive sessions highlighted practical policy solutions and nature-based strategies for strengthening watershed health.
Denmark Offshore Wind Tour: In September, NEC led a delegation of 10 state legislators from seven states to Denmark for a five-day learning experience on the full life cycle of offshore wind. Through firsthand site visits and discussions with Danish policymakers, industry leaders, and experts, participants explored innovative offshore wind technology, supply chains, workforce development, transmission, and marine biodiversity, gaining practical insights to inform state-level policy and support the growth of the U.S. offshore wind sector.
NYC Climate Week: During Climate Week NYC, NEC helped convene policymakers and partners around practical state-level solutions to climate and energy challenges. Events focused on proven approaches to lowering energy costs through clean energy, advancing climate-smart forestry policies, and accelerating electric innovation, while creating opportunities for legislators and other leaders to share successes, identify policy opportunities, and build momentum for the year ahead.
Network Engagement and Policy Development
FERC & PJM Interconnection Reform: In late July, NEC filed a formal comment letter with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on behalf of 98 state legislators from 10 states. The letter requests reforms be made to ensure their states can participate meaningfully in decision-making at the PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest regional grid operator. Following the letter, FERC requested that NEC submit a proposal on specific reforms. Read the letter.
Bill Tracking: NEC is actively tracking over 2,600 bills in 45 states and territories.
Resources
Energy Affordability Messaging Toolkit: NEC’s Energy Affordability Messaging Toolkit provides legislators with effective strategies for communicating about clean energy and affordability policies. Designed to complement the Energy Affordability Briefing Book, the Toolkit offers key messages, policy-specific guidance, and responses to common constituent questions across three areas: delivering near-term relief, protecting customers and reforming the system, and building a low-cost clean energy future.
