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 Energy Symposium (Sept. 23-25) and the 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. EPA announces nearly $250 million in FY 2026 Brownfields program grants
On June 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the distribution of nearly $250 million in funding for the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup grant program. The grants flowed to more than 190 state and local government recipients around the country to support redevelopment and renewal projects on brownfield sites.
U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee introduces 2026 Water Resources Development Act
On June 26, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee released text of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA). The WRDA legislation supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by authorizing water resources studies and projects and sets policies for navigation, flood control, hydropower, recreation, water supply and emergency management for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). WRDA 2026 authorizes 131 new feasibility studies and 10 new construction projects.
Senate Agriculture Committee introduces 2026 Farm Bill, following House passage
On June 23, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) introduced the Senate version of the 2026 Farm Bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026.
The EPA announces $2.9 billion for states to support lead pipe replacement
On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) announced $2.9 billion in funding to help states support lead service line replacement. The funding will be distributed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and can be used by communities to identify lead pipes, plan removal projects, and replace lead service lines that deliver drinking water to homes.
House Appropriations Committee releases draft funding bills for public lands and environment programs
On May 20, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee began consideration of the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which funds key environment and public lands programs at the Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill provides agency and program funding levels and sets policy goals for the agencies for FY 2027.
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces new environmental review regulations
On May 12, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that its programs will officially adopt USDA’s new National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, marking a significant shift in how environmental reviews will be implemented across USDA agencies.
Deploying EV Charging Infrastructure Without an RFP – A Procurement-Safe Path for Public Agencies
California public agencies are under increasing pressure to deploy EV charging infrastructure
quickly—without compromising procurement compliance. We invite you to join a focused,
45-minute webinar hosted by Frank Huerta of LilyPad EV on either of these available dates:
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
11:00 AM (PST)
2:00 PM (EST)
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
11:00 AM (PST)
2:00 PM (EST)
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11:00 AM (PST)
2:00 PM (EST)
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
