Briefing Book

2025 Legislator Briefing Book

Region

National

NCEL Point of Contact

Dylan McDowell
Chief Executive Officer

Contact

Overview

Welcome to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators' 2025 Legislator Briefing Book where you can learn more about the environmental issues we work on and the ways NCEL can enhance your legislative efforts. Whether you are new to the legislature or a seasoned environmental policymaker, the NCEL team is here to help and invites you to join our caucus founded by and for state legislators. We look forward to working with you soon. 

About NCEL

Who We Are

The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a nationwide network of state lawmakers committed to protecting the environment. NCEL was created by and for state legislators who believe that they are much more effective when they can organize, communicate, and assist each other on issues like renewable energy, toxic chemicals, clean water, and conservation.

Mission 

NCEL empowers a nonpartisan network of legislative champions to protect, conserve, and improve the natural and human environment.

How We Work

  • NCEL participants include over 1,300 legislators from all 50 states.
  • There is no cost to join the caucus.
  • NCEL convenes annually at national, regional, and issue-based forums. 
  • Members receive regular updates about state and federal issues.
  • NCEL staff regularly respond to information requests from state legislators working on a variety of conservation, energy, and environmental issues. 
  • NCEL does not lobby for or against any state or federal legislation.

The Issues We Work On

Our program areas are determined by member interest. Are you working on a different issue? Let us know! We are happy to help. Download the Briefing Book for more information about the specific issue areas NCEL works on across our four program areas.

Climate and Energy

NCEL members are working to reduce carbon emissions by transitioning to renewable energy, electrifying transportation, and building a more resilient and efficient grid. To learn more or hear about options for your state, contact Ava Gallo.

Conservation

As biodiversity loss threatens human, environmental, and wildlife health, NCEL members are working to conserve land, water, and wildlife. To learn more or hear about options for your state, contact Kate Burgess.

Environmental Health

In an ever-changing world, NCEL members are ensuring safer communities by removing toxins from our air, waters, and homes and encouraging safer, healthier alternatives. To learn more or hear about options for your state, contact Nabjot Kaur.

Ocean 

The ocean hosts countless ecosystems which support climate regulation, marine and coastal habitats, and coastal community protection. To learn more or hear about options for your state, contact Alissa Weinman.

Make Us Your Environmental Staff

We can conduct research, connect you with colleagues and experts working on similar issues, and provide examples of similar initiatives introduced in other states. NCEL also maintains a library of online resources that is curated specifically for busy legislators. View the issues we work on and meet our staff to learn more.

Resources

NCEL Resources

Online Resources

About NCEL

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How We Work

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2023 Annual Report

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Our Issues

Learn more about the issues we work on. These issue pages are designed to provide legislators with the information they need to know complete with an overview, facts, legislation, and resources.

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Resource Center

Search our extensive collection of resources for fact sheets, one-pagers, and briefing books on a wide range of environmental issues.

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Working Groups

NCEL’s seven Working Groups provide lawmakers with opportunities to learn and collaborate on policy issues ranging from climate action and plastic pollution to wildlife conservation.

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Empower State Environmental Champions

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