Advocacy Insights
Webinars
Join our Director of Government Affairs each month for our Advocacy Insights webinars. Each session provides the newest information on current and ongoing activities in local, state, and federal environmental public health policy.
August Advocacy Insights
In this episode of Advocacy Insights, NEHA’s Director of Government Affairs, Doug Farquhar, sits down with Harold Chase of NSF International to unpack the complexities of the federal appropriations process and what it means for environmental public health funding.
They discuss:
- The impact of the tragedy at the CDC and the politicization of public health.
- How appropriations shape funding for the CDC, FDA’s Human Foods Program, and other key agencies.
- The high-stakes countdown to avoid a government shutdown.
- The role environmental public health professionals can play in engaging lawmakers during this critical time.
This candid conversation highlights why appropriations matter, how congressional negotiations unfold, and what environmental health leaders need to know to protect vital programs.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Your voice matters.
To make a difference and take action to advocate for public policy, head here: https://www.neha.org/legislative-actions
July Advocacy Insights
In this July edition of Advocacy Insights, NEHA's Doug Farquhar was joined by three environmental health leaders — Chris Sparks (Houston Health Department), Amanda Bloom (California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health) and Justin Dwyer (Peoria City/County Health Department) — to reflect on the latest legislative sessions in Texas, California and Illinois. Their insightful discussion explored the political climates in each state, growing challenges surrounding "food freedom," the urgent need for climate and disaster readiness, and the importance of workforce development to meet the rising demands for environmental health nationwide. Tune in to hear firsthand how local professionals are navigating legislative change and advocating for stronger support and funding in the field.
Legislative Summaries
These summaries are written by Government Affairs Director Doug Farquhar.
2025
- August: MAHA Legislation
- August: Food Safety Legislation
2024
- December: FY 2025 Federal Budget Update
- December: State Enacted Drinking Water Legislation; Details
- October: State Enacted Body Art Legislation: 2024 Sessions
- September: State Enacted Food Safety Legislation: 2024 Sessions
- January: 2023 State Legislation on Body Art
2023
- October: 2023 Update on State Food Safety Legislation
- April: State Climate Change Legislation | Summary
- March: State Food Safety Legislation | Summary
2022
- State Climate Change Enacted Legislation | PDF
- State Drinking Water Enacted Legislation | PDF
- State Enacted Legislation: Food Safety Legislation | PDF
2021
- September: Enacted State Legislation Regarding Food
- June: 2021 State Enacted Legislation: Food
- March: State Enacted Legislation: Cottage Foods, Food Freedom | PDF