National Caucus of Environmental Legislators’ Post

So excited to join the NextGen Highways coalition and help state legislators utilize highway ROWs for least cost transmission buildout 🎉 See our new Transmission Briefing Book for the latest information on transmission policy: https://lnkd.in/ezpFX283

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron Deference reverses 40 years of precedent and will undermine critical environmental regulations across the country. In the wake of this ruling, the actions of states are more crucial than ever in serving as a backstop for environmental protection.⁠ ⁠ “This decision severely limits the ability of the federal government and agencies to protect the American people. For years, states have served as incubators for many of the nation’s most innovative laws and policies. Now, states will step up once again and take action to ensure the protection of our communities, environment, and people.” - Sen. Chris Lee, NCEL President https://lnkd.in/ePc6-Jru

Direct Pay is among the most innovative concepts from the #InflationReductionAct. Entities without tax liability like schools and state or local governments can use this new tax mechanism to take advantage of #CleanEnergy tax credits 🔋 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDyy5aCA

This week, NCEL staff were in Spokane, Washington! Our #climate and #energy team, Ava Gallo and Sidra Aghababian, hosted a Northwest Legislator Convening on #energy and #transmission. Attendees heard from experts on #transmissionbuildout, planning, and authority. And to round out the trip, we took a tour at Avista Utility's Spokane Operations Center and Lab and visited the Spokane Falls which has been providing hydroelectric power to the region since 1890. Shout out to Sidra for organizing this amazing event, and thank you to all speakers and legislators that attended (and their families)! Check out our recap blog for more: https://lnkd.in/gB56nEaG

Yesterday, state leaders from across the nation attended Justice Outside's We are ONE conference. NCEL's Grant Gliniecki moderated the Unleashing the Power of State Policy for #OutdoorEquity panel! Attendees gained insights into outdoor equity policies and opportunities for state legislators to bolster #OutdoorInclusivity! Thank you to Boulder City Councilor Taishya Adams, WI State Representative Darrin Madison Jr., and Grant for sharing your expertise!

NCEL staff were in Spokane, WA this week! Our #Climate and #Energy team convened legislators from Northwestern states to discuss #transmission buildout. On day one, we heard from experts about regional transmission planning, opportunities for buildout transmission, consulting Tribal Nations, navigating Western transmission markets, and more! On day two, we toured Avista's Grid Operations Center and Lab and visited the Spokane falls! Thank you to our incredible speakers and to our legislators (and their families)! Learn more about how state leaders can engage in transmission development in our latest briefing book ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ezpFX283

Day one of our Northwest Legislator #energy and transmission convening is over! We heard great discussions on regional transmission planning, opportunities for buildout transmission, consulting Tribal Nations, navigating Western transmission markets, and more! Stay tuned for tomorrow's session where we tour Avista's Grid Operations Center and Lab and visit the Spokane falls 🌊

Alongside our partner Native Americans in Philanthropy, we’re educating lawmakers about the role states play as treaty partners, in upholding Tribal sovereignty, and in supporting access to funding and grant opportunities. ⁠ “Tribal Relations 101 for State Legislators 2024”, our second-annual Live broadcast aims to help state legislators build their knowledge on how states can best center Tribal priorities in policymaking. ⁠ Join our LIVE broadcast on June 26 at 1 pm ET by registering today ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eaiJshNe