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
Future Opportunities:
Join the Energy Counties Exchange to stay informed on all energy resources and upcoming programming including one energy focused peer exchange events in June and one data center peer exchange in November. Applications open approximately two months prior to the event.
Recent Opportunity:
NACo's first Rural Energy Academy (REA) technical assistance cohort launches 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.
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
- Apply now to join NACo’s Rural Energy Academy technical assistance cohort that is designed to assist rural counties navigating energy-related challenges based on their community’s unique resources and priorities.
- Join the Resilient Counties Innovation Council.
- Join the Energy Counties Exchange.
- 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.
NACo launches 2026 Rural Energy Academy Cohort to support county decision-making on new energy projects
NACo announces the launch of the 2026 Rural Energy Academy technical assistance cohort.
U.S. Department of the Interior issues new NEPA regulations recognizing local governments as cooperating agencies
On February 23, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final rule updating the Department’s regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; P.L. 91-190). In a step forward for counties, the final rule reinstates provisions that name local government agencies as cooperating agencies during the NEPA environmental review process.
House Agriculture Committee advances 2026 Farm Bill
On March 5, the House Agriculture Committee voted to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Westerman warns of short timeline on permitting reform
Time is running out during an election year to pass permitting reform legisation.
NOAA outlines help for counties navigating drought’s growing risks
In April, the National Integrated Drought Information System will launch the Mid-Atlantic Drought Early Warning System, which will help county officials allocate resources and attention to mitigate drought-related disasters.
National Stormwater Policy Forum Webinar
Learn about current policy issues driving the stormwater sector today.
Program Lead
