Across the U.S., state legislators are stepping up to address the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental injustice—often through bold, forest-focused policies. This session, hosted by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, will spotlight the leadership of lawmakers advancing integrated nature-based solutions from two distinct regions: the Northeast and Hawai‘i.

These state leaders are championing innovative legislation that protects high-value ecosystems—from urban tree canopies to native rural woodlands—while advancing climate mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and equitable community outcomes. Through a dynamic conversation, this session will inspire peer-to-peer learning and catalyze replication of successful models across states.

Designed for state and regional policymakers, environmental NGOs, and philanthropic partners, the event will highlight real-world examples of how forests can be at the heart of smart, intersectional climate solutions. Attendees will leave with tangible policy ideas, new connections, and a deeper understanding of how to scale forest protection efforts that reflect both local priorities and global imperatives.

This convening will empower legislators, philanthropies, and other environmental stakeholders to pursue ambitious and feasible nature-based solutions. It will demonstrate the critical role state legislators play in advancing nature-based climate policies and encourage climate-focused stakeholders to integrate biodiversity and forest stewardship into their strategies. In doing so, it lays the groundwork for a more connected, collaborative, and impactful environmental policy movement across the U.S.