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Environment and Natural Resources

Environment and Natural Resources

Top left, Senator Daniel Hall (R-W.V.) makes a comment during the NRI Standing Committee meeting at the 2015 Legislative Summit in Seattle. Top right, from left, New Hampshire Representatives George Sykes (D), back to camera, John O'Connor (R), Robert Introne (R) Sherman Packard (R), and, at right in photo, Senator David Watters (D), at the NRI meeting. Bottom left, from left, Montana Senators Jennifer Fielder (R), J.P. Pomnichowski (D) and Cynthia Wolken (D) at the NRI meeting. Bottom right, anglers do some fly fishing.

NATURAL DISASTERS | RESOURCE PLANNING

Forest fire.The frequency and severity of natural disasters—whether a tornado that ravages everything in its path or a wild fire burning out of control—is taking a toll on states and their budgets. The uptick in natural disasters also has stressed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its capacity to respond.

 

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STATE LEGISLATIVE TRENDS IN LOCAL FOODS 2012-2014

photo of fresh vegetable at farmers market."Harvesting Healthier Options" is a new report that examines state legislation in all 50 states aimed to strengthen various components of local food systems. The report is organized into six policy areas with the most state legislative action during that time period. Read the report.

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 STATE EFFORTS TO PROTECT AND PAY FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER

NCSL LegisBrief logo.State legislatures often struggle with the role they should play in drinking water oversight. In Michigan, where the Flint lead crisis played out, the Legislature formed a committee to evaluate the issue and propose legislative actions that would prevent a future crisis. Recently appropriated funding from Congress, may provide states with an opportunity to address some of their critical water infrastructure needs.

 

 

 

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PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION AND RECYCLING

Photo shows a woman walking down the street carrying plastic bags.States continue to consider strategies to reduce the number of plastic carry-out bags from grocery stores and other retail outlets. Some states are targeting paper bags as well. Regulating bags can mitigate harmful impacts to oceans, rivers, lakes and the wildlife that inhabit them. Reducing bag use can also relieve pressure on landfills and waste management. 

 

 

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OVERVIEW | ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

NCSL’s environment and natural resources program provides research and analysis on important state policy trends to assist legislators and legislative staff. We track issues in seven major categories: climate change and air quality, environmental health, healthy communities, land use, natural resources, waste management and water. 

Contact NCSL staff for information about our work on these issues or to arrange for customized technical assistance in your state, which can include briefings on state policy trends, in-depth research and meeting facilitation.

 

STANDING COMMITTEE

The Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee is one of eight that educates Congress and federal agencies about state concerns and serves as a forum for state legislators and legislative staff. In particular, this committee has jurisdiction over state and federal energy, environment, agriculture and transportation programs, legislation, regulations and policies.

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DATABASES

NCSL tracks state environment and natural resources legislation in the Energy and Environment Legislation Database and the Environmental Health Legislation Database. These databases cover legislation from the 2009-2016 legislative sessions from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each database is searchable by keyword, year, state, topic, bill number and status.

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