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
Stay engaged with NACo's energy resources and events such as the fall NACo's 2026 Energy Symposium (Sept. 23-25) and the NACo's 2026 Data Center Peer Exchange (December), by joining the Energy Counties Exchange.
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. Senators introduce bipartisan comprehensive permitting reform package with major county wins
On Sep. 30, the leaders of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S. 5653), a comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform package that would make major changes to several federal environmental protection statutes.
Foundations navigate community benefit agreements
Philanthropic organizations offer a specialized approach to managing proceeds from community benefit agreements struck between counties and energy companies.
Texas symposium spurs energy talks
The road to domestic energy independence will be paved and maintained by counties, and more than 100 county leaders came to the Texas panhandle to learn how to make the most of the opportunity.
Public lands offer potential for boosting energy generation
Oil and gas leases on public lands have opened the door for renewables like solar and wind to double dip on energy productions, sweetening the deal for counties.
Program Lead
