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.
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to reauthorize or extend key programs
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to prioritize reauthorizing or extending key programs for counties ahead of September deadline
U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee advances data center and permitting legislation
U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee advances permitting and data center legislation.
U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member introduces legislation to protect ratepayers from costs of data center expansion
On August 3, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Guarding Ratepayers from Increased Demand-costs (GRID) Savings Act of 2026. The proposed legislation would create a process for large electricity users to pay for any infrastructure costs associated with increased demand for the electric grid.
Senate Agriculture Committee holds Farm Bill markup, remains in committee
On August 6, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency releases new guidelines for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
On June 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule updating its implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The updated rule follows EO 14154, Unleashing American Energy, and the Seven County Infrastructure v. Eagle County, Colo. decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Data Center Series: Understanding Electricity Trends
Building on the first webinar in NACo's Fall Data Center Series, this session uses that foundation in data center development and economic considerations to examine how data centers and other factors are reshaping electricity costs nationwide.
Data Center Series: Water Use and Cooling
As the third session in NACo's Data Center Series, this call will focus on understanding water use and cooling of data centers.
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
