NCEL Releases 2025 Legislative Session Recap Showcasing State-Led Environmental Action Trends

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 4, 2025) — As federal environmental protections face continued rollbacks, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) is proud to release its 2025 Legislative Session Recap, a comprehensive analysis of the top trends and standout legislation in state-level environmental policy from the past year. The recap highlights how states are driving bold, lasting solutions to protect communities, ecosystems, and the climate.

Drawing from NCEL’s policy tracking across 40+ key policy areas in all 50 states, the recap showcases the surge of state action in 2025 — from climate accountability and PFAS restrictions to endangered species protections and sustainable coastal management. With hundreds of state bills introduced and enacted, the report reveals a growing movement of state lawmakers crafting durable, bipartisan, and equity-centered policies that meet the moment.

“States aren’t just filling gaps left at the federal level — they’re leading the way,” said Dylan McDowell, CEO of NCEL. “The Session Recap illustrates that state legislatures are the most dynamic and responsive engines for lasting progress in this critical moment for the environment.”

Key findings from the 2025 Session Recap include:

• Climate Accountability: At least 23 states introduced legislation to modernize climate resilience financing and hold polluters financially responsible for climate damages.
• Transmission & Utilities: At least 21 states enacted reforms to electric utilities and the power grid to make energy systems more affordable, resilient, and prepared for the renewable energy transition.
• PFAS & Toxic Chemicals: At least 37 states took action to strengthen protections against PFAS “forever chemicals” in consumer products and other sources.
• Outdoor Engagement: A total of 67 bills were enacted across 28 states and territories, many with bipartisan support, to increase access to nature and support for the outdoor recreation economy.
• Blue Economy: At least 15 states took action to advance sustainable blue economies — the responsible use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth, environmental health, and community well-being.

The full recap is available at ncelenviro.org/2025-legislative-session-recap, offering lawmakers, the public, and other organizations a vital resource for tracking environmental policy momentum across the country.

As environmental crises intensify and the federal landscape remains uncertain, NCEL’s 2025 Session Recap affirms that the future of environmental protection is being written in statehouses nationwide.

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About NCEL: Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,300 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues.

Media Contact

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Email: dylan.macy@ncelenviro.org