Rep. Smith joins state lawmakers, environmental advocates at recent NCEL forum
State Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) recently joined more than 100 state legislators from 32 states and both major political parties to learn about emerging environmental issues at the 2016 National Issues Forum hosted by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL). The event promoted collaboration between state legislators and provided essential educational resources regarding the pressing environmental and conservation issues currently facing the country.
“Ohio's natural beauty and vast environmental resources need to be preserved and protected,” said Smith. “Ohio's frozen renewable energy standards are an example of short sighted policies that do not protect the health of Ohioans and hinder the growth of an emerging sector of America’s 21st century economy. I am happy to partner with other state legislators in an attempt to lead this nation toward cleaner and greener environmental policies.”
Topics covered at the forum included clean energy, environmental justice, water quality and conservation, toxic chemicals in consumer products, among many others. Sessions were led by nationally-recognized experts as well as fellow state legislators.
“We need to expand our efforts in Ohio to conserve our land and natural resources. I plan on continuing to be active on these issues by collaborating with advocates across the board to introduce environmentally-friendly policies,” Smith concluded.
NCEL is a nationwide network of more than 1,200 state legislators from all 50 states and both major political parties. Created by and for state legislators in 1996, the Caucus serves as a resource on environmental issues through legislative research, organized events and by facilitating collaboration between lawmakers working on similar issues.
Rep. Smith was one of only two state legislators in attendance from the 131st Ohio General Assembly.