Environment & Land Use Programming
NACo’s environment and land use programs elevate the county role in and responsibility to steward our nation’s natural resources and balance environmental protection with local economic and resilience needs. Participating counties are building effective working relationships with neighboring military installations, studying the costs of deferred maintenance of roads and bridges and driving solutions, advancing best practice in waste management, exploring local energy resources and navigating siting decisions that will lay the groundwork for our nation’s energy and transportation infrastructure.
Current Programming
Rural Energy Academy
Current Opportunities:
Summer Peer Exchange: Apply now to participate in NACo's Rural Energy Academy Peer Exchange in Grundy County, Ill. from June 29-July 1, 2026. This event will highlight the opportunities and challenges related to nuclear and battery energy storage system (BESS) technologies.
Fall Symposium: Learn how you can join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle for the 2026 NACo Energy Symposium. This event will be held from September 23-25, 2026 and will cover the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America.
Recent Opportunity:
NACo's first Rural Energy Academy (REA) technical assistance cohort launched in Spring 2026. Applications to join are now closed. Learn how REA can still support your county by completing this form to connect with NACo staff and program partners from Mana Group Consulting. Join the Energy Counties Exchange to stay informed on all energy resources.
Military Communities Initiative
The U.S. Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative Program helps manage encroachment and incompatible development near military installations. The program forms partnerships that protect military operations from restrictive development and strengthens long-term relationships between the Department of Defense and counties.
Recent Past Programming
SolSmart
SolSmart is a national program that helps cities, towns, counties and regional organizations become solar energy ready.
How to Get Involved
- Join the Resilient Counties Innovation Council.
- Join the Energy Counties Exchange to receive updates on future energy programming and access a library of county-focused energy material.
- Complete this contact form to connect with NACo staff and experienced partners from Mana Group Consulting on energy topics.
- Email militarycommunities@naco.org to join the NACo Military Communities Network.
Sign Up for Updates
Key Resources
Energizing Counties Resource Hub
NACo empowers counties with the tools and resources needed to consider and facilitate energy projects best suited for local communities. NACo is developing resources and tailored guidance to assist local governments in navigating the opportunities and challenges of different energy industries.
Intergovernmental Collaboration on Disaster Resilience Case Studies Series
NACo’s “Intergovernmental Collaboration in Disaster Resilience” case study series highlights intergovernmental partnerships that empower local communities to take charge of preparedness, response and recovery, underscoring the critical role of the federal government in strengthening security and resilience nationwide.
U.S. Representatives introduce bipartisan CERTAIN Act to uphold county participation and streamline federal permitting
On April 15, congressional leaders introduced the bipartisan Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. Led by Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), Andrew Gabarino (R-N.Y.), Adam Gray (D-Calif.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), the CERTAIN Act would strengthen county consultation and set actionable deadlines for federal environmental permitting processes.
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces new environmental review regulations
On April 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a final rule issuing new regulatory guidance for the department’s environmental review processes. The new rule affects how USDA implements the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and affects projects funded by the agency or occurring on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Gulf counties receive more than $92 million in revenue sharing from offshore energy projects
On March 27, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue sharing from Gulf energy projects, including more than $92 million which will be distributed directly to 42 coastal counties and parishes and Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. The revenue is generated from offshore oil and gas projects on the federally managed Gulf Outer Continental Shelf, and a portion is redirected to states and counties.
White House issues Executive Order addressing barriers to housing construction
White House issues Executive Order addressing barriers to housing construction
2026 NACo Energy Symposium
Join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today. Hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development.
Program Lead
