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.

Upcoming WebinarsAccess Webinar Library

November Advocacy Insights

NEHA President Larry Ramdin reflects on his path from Trinidad’s mosquito control program to leading environmental health efforts in Massachusetts and Watertown. Through his story, he highlights the evolving demands on the workforce and how NEHA is supporting the next generation of environmental health professionals.

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

October Advocacy Insights

In this month's edition, we sit down with Dr. Robert W. Powitz - a proud sanitarian, educator and leader whose career has shaped generations of environmental health professionals. A Diplomate Laureate of the American Academy of Sanitarians, Dr. Powitz shares his wisdom on what it means to serve, protect and advance public health in this insightful interview. Hear his reflections on the milestones that have defined his career, the mentors who shaped his path and the innovations that will guide environmental health into the next century.

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

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

2024

2023

2022

  • State Climate Change Enacted Legislation | PDF
  • State Drinking Water Enacted Legislation | PDF
  • State Enacted Legislation: Food Safety Legislation | PDF

2021

2020