![]() “That’s the kind of synergy that happens,” Watters said. Dylan Fernandes (D), who went on to introduce his own measure. He then passed along his knowledge to Massachusetts state Rep. Kevin Ranker (D) to set up an ocean acidification commission. Watters also drew on the expertise of former Washington state Sen. Mary Jo Daley (D)-who had done similar work-on strategies to assuage voters’ concerns about private property. ![]() He opted for the wildlife corridors bill because “animals are going to have to be able to move because of warming temperatures.” He worked with Pennsylvania Rep. Watters wanted to do something about climate change, but “mentioning that can be a third rail in my legislature.” David Watters (D) learned from lawmakers in California and Colorado about legislation they had passed to protect corridors for wildlife. Andre Jacque regularly attending meetings, he said.Īt one of its gatherings, New Hampshire state Sen. The National Conference of State Legislators has eight standing committees, including one on natural resources and infrastructure, and the liberal group People for the American Way has a caucus enabling lawmakers 35 and younger to share ideas.Ībout 10% to 15% of NCEL’s membership is Republican, with GOP members like Minnesota Sen. It’s not the only group offering environmental networking. Its funding comes from about 20 foundation grants and small, individual donations. It doesn’t lobby for or against any legislation or get involved in elections, according to Executive Director Jeff Mauk. NCEL is a nonprofit that convenes some 1,000 lawmakers from all 50 states. And there is more and more demand from the public to do something about this mess.” ‘Synergy That Happens’ “Environmental policy can be complicated. “You need support-'Oh, Lorig, you’re looking to do something on microgrids, take a look at this state that’s done a lot of good work,’” Charkoudian said. Lorig Charkoudian (D) say the group serves a crucial role for lawmakers who are pressed for time, short on staff, and under pressure to deliver results. To the group’s critics, who include Republican lawmakers, NCEL muscles cookie-cutter legislation through statehouses. They’re being pulled together by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, an under-the-radar group in Washington, D.C., that sees states as a more effective place to get environmental laws passed than Congress. And a Minnesota lawmaker drew on California and Oregon guidance to draft legislation that would change the analysis of cumulative impacts.Īs those legislators and others head back to work in January, they’re increasingly drawing on advice from colleagues in far-flung locations who bear the scars of passing environmental bills in their own states. Vermont legislators’ tips helped a Colorado representative get a plastic bag ban over the finish line. A New Hampshire state senator got a bill passed protecting wildlife corridors thanks to talks with a Pennsylvanian.
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