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.
House Agriculture Committee introduces 2026 Farm Bill
On February 13, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.-15) introduced the House version of the 2026 Farm Bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
Congress increases oversight of Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund
On February 3, Congress passed new funding and authority for an audit and expanded oversight of the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, which houses federal funds for recovery from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. The provision was included in the Financial Services-General Government appropriations bill (FSGG), which was one of five included in a minibus package passed by Congress (P.L. 119-75).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces repeal of 2009 Endangerment Finding for greenhouse gases
On February 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was repealing the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which is basis for EPA regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act.
NACo sends letter urging reauthorization of Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Clean Water and the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) programs to provide a predictable, long-term financing option for local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
New energy systems bring power generation closer to home
Communities across the country are turning to locally sited power systems known as distributed energy resources, which are popular for their flexibility and the ease with which they can be customized.
Program Lead
