Best wishes on Earth Day. There have been so many environmental losses under the Trump administration that “Happy Earth Day” doesn’t seem appropriate.
Day after day there’s news that federal agencies are cutting or eliminating one rule after the other. What many people don’t realize is that the regulations that we do have are often inadequate, a result of heavy lobbying by the industry regulated.
I feel like saying “It’s the environment, stupid.” So much damage is being done, it’s going to be difficult to undo.
On the positive side, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators reports states are responding to the negative environmental actions by the federal government by fighting for a healthy environment and thriving communities.
Here are some of the major legislative trends and successful policies that states passed in 2025:
- Seven states passed laws to modernize insurance and financial structures, along with holding polluters accountable for the costs of climate-related environmental risks.
- Twenty-one states passed laws to reform electric utilities and modernize the power grid.
- Sixteen states passed laws to invest in and deploy emerging energy technologies.
- Eight states passed laws to address state wildlife conservation needs under their endangered species laws.
- Maryland joined 24 other states in advancing habitat connectivity by working to restore wildlife corridors, protect drivers, and strengthen ecosystems.
- Washington state established a statewide Extended Producer Responsibility program to boost recycling rates, reduce waste, and support reuse and refill systems, especially in underserved communities. Five states enacted laws to reduce plastic pollution.
- Ten states passed laws limiting the use of PFAS, forever chemicals.
- Wisconsin enacted new comprehensive cumulative impact protections. Cumulative impacts are where multiple sources of pollution and environmental stressors combine over time to harm human health.
- Nine states passed laws to advance the offshore wind industry and regulate offshore drilling and exploration.
- Hawai’i and Washington passed three pieces of legislation to protect marine biodiversity in 2025.
For more information, see “2025 Legislative Session Recap.”
