We’re moving forward in the face of federal threats.
The speed and scale of the dismantling of American leadership on climate and conservation, has been staggering. It has left many reeling and asking what can be done to meet the climate goals science demands, for the sake of our ecosystems, public health, and quality of life.
Unquestionably, aggressive defense of the nation’s bedrock environmental laws and protection must be a priority. And WRA will continue to support our many federal partners and state leaders as they fight to preserve the environmental protections that make us safer, healthier and that preserves our connection to the Western landscapes, habitat, and wildlife that make this region what it is.
But while we work to defend against the harmful rollbacks of critical climate policies and programs, WRA is also aggressively pursuing an offensive climate strategy at the state level.
While addressing the climate crisis requires action at all levels, we know that critical progress can continue on the ground — in state capitols, at regulatory commissions, and in council chambers throughout the West.
We must double down on state level action.
We know that climate and conservation progress is both still possible and is critical in this moment. And its pathway is through the states.
Why? Because a lot of our energy and environmental decisions are made at the state and local level.
State governments wield significant authority to advance clean energy, regulate polluting fossil fuel sources, and protect people in our communities. Cities and counties can adopt sustainable and efficient building codes, smart land use plans, and invest in clean infrastructure that can power our homes and our transportation systems. These decisions add up to major reductions in emissions.
And non-federal actors can and do make a difference. A study from the University of Maryland this year found that even if the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations were rolled back, ambitious state and local action could still lead the U.S. to a 54% to 62% reduction in emissions by 2035.
At Western Resource Advocates, we’ve spent more than three decades advancing critical climate, environmental and conservation policies in the decision-making forums where most conservation policy is made, at the state level. As we face federal antipathy to climate protections and environmental responsibility, we remain steadfast – we know the power of state-level advocacy.
There is hard work to do. And with the path to climate and conservation progress and protection of our communities closed, for now, at the federal level, the way forward runs through advancement of protective state and local policy.
This is WRAs strength. It’s how we’ve secured more than 91 million tons of emissions reductions annually. It’s how we’ve protected more than two thousand miles of rivers. And how we have added new protections to more than 8.75 million acres of Western habitat.
How WRA drives urgent state action.
While we can talk about state action, the proof is in the policy. Our approach to passing climate policies is multi-pronged and multi-layered – following legislation from inception to passage to implementation to ensure that we achieve maximum results. We do this through utilizing four distinct states of state action.
Research & Develop
WRA combines experience and expertise with research and science to develop policies, legislation, plans, regulations, and rules that address complex problems. Our regional approach integrates the distinct political and cultural landscape of each individual state and allows us to scale proven strategies, models, and solutions across the West.
Listen & Collaborate
We work to ensure all voices are heard where decisions are made. We actively partner with communities, Indigenous governments, advocacy groups, and coalitions to develop effective and equitable policies, galvanize support, and unify communities around the most impactful state action.
Advocate & Influence
WRA advocates for the adoption of critical solutions where decisions are made in state and local government – in legislatures, governors’ offices, agencies, commissions, city councils, and more. Leveraging our policy expertise in government affairs and communications, WRA works closely with decision makers to inform and enact ambitious policies. At the same time, we work to stop efforts that are
Implement & Measure
Once a law, policy, plan, or rule is enacted, there is important and detailed work required to ensure its effective implementation. WRA works with lawmakers, agencies, utilities, and stakeholders to put laws and policies into action. We defend them in legal forums, assess and analyze their impact, and ensure they deliver their intended outcomes.
Where WRA drives state level action
WRA works across the Interior West and achieves substantial results by focusing on the venues where decisions are made — at state legislatures, within state agencies and commissions, and working directly with utilities, local governments, and municipalities.
- We advocate in front of state utility commissions, shape policy with state legislators, and educate local decision makers on how to advance conservation.
- We use science and research to help state and local governments shape and assess laws and rules that drive change and create accountability.
- We collaborate and build relationships with a broad and diverse group of allies to ensure laws are passed and implemented in good faith to yield real results for all communities.
- We support communities most affected by climate change by advocating for inclusion and ensuring all voices are heard where decisions are made.
