Our Federal Policy Work in the United States

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) advances and defends science-based, nonpartisan policy solutions that work for both people and nature. TNC believes the health of natural systems and the welfare of human communities are closely linked and that diverse public and private interests can work together to achieve lasting conservation success.

Approach to Public Policy

TNC proposes initiatives that:

• Promote more efficient solutions to resource management problems.
• Are ambitious but practical, with long-term benefits.
• Take advantage of the power and value of nature.
• Respect human needs.
• Use market mechanisms to achieve resource management goals.
• Emphasize cooperation across agency, political and organizational boundaries.
• Recognize public sector fiscal constraints.

Using Nature to Protect Communities from Natural Disasters

We’re urging lawmakers to use nature-based solutions to enhance communities’ resilience to storms and wildfires and address the country’s infrastructure needs.

• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants: Nature’s role in mitigating damages from storms, wildfires
• Natural Infrastructure: Protecting communities from storms
• National Flood Insurance Program: Planning for floods to reduce risk
• Building Wildfire Resilience: Policies and funding to reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfires

Increasing Government Funding for Conservation

We’re asking for robust federal funding for conservation and science programs and reforms to tax policy that would improve conservation outcomes.

• Investments in Nature: Supporting strong conservation funding and policies
• International Conservation Funding: Protecting natural resources abroad through U.S. programs
• Tax Incentives: Reforming tax policy to incentivize investments in conservation

Tackling Climate Change and Boosting Clean Energy

We’re fostering collaboration among nonprofits, corporations and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to reduce carbon emissions and invest in cleaner, more reliable energy systems.

• Smart Climate Policy: Reinventing how we generate, transport and use energy resources

Preserving the Government’s Core Environmental Protections

We’re defending the federal laws that provide basic protections for endangered species, wildlife and important habitats across the country.

• Recovering America's Wildlife Act: Funding local and state efforts to help wildlife at risk
• Foundational Environmental Laws: Protecting critical conservation policies
• Greater Sage Grouse: Saving an iconic Western bird