State legislatures are where much of the most consequential climate policy happens. While federal action captures headlines, state-level bills shape the regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and enforcement structures that determine whether climate commitments translate into real outcomes on the ground.
As TerraFuture's policy team, we track legislation across all 50 states. Here are the measures we believe will have the greatest impact in 2026, along with our assessment of where each stands and what you can do to support strong climate action.
Oregon: The Climate Resilience Infrastructure Act (HB 3847)
This bill would establish a dedicated funding stream of $120 million annually for climate adaptation infrastructure in communities identified as high-vulnerability under the state's Climate Equity Framework. Funded projects would include urban cooling infrastructure, stormwater management, wildfire defensible space, and community emergency preparedness.
TerraFuture's position: We strongly support HB 3847 and have provided testimony to the House Environment Committee. The bill's emphasis on equity-based resource allocation aligns directly with our community-level data on climate vulnerability disparities.
Status: Passed committee in January, awaiting floor vote.
Washington: Clean Buildings Performance Standard (SB 5102)
Washington's proposed performance standard would require commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet to meet declining energy use intensity targets through 2040. The bill includes provisions for technical assistance to small building owners and a dedicated compliance pathway for affordable housing.
TerraFuture's position: We support SB 5102 with the recommendation that the legislature strengthen the affordable housing provisions to prevent compliance costs from being passed to low-income tenants.
Status: In committee, hearings scheduled for March.
State-level climate legislation often receives less public attention than federal policy, but these bills directly shape the daily reality of the communities we work with. Engagement at this level is where individual voices have the most leverage.
California: Community Climate Adaptation Grants (AB 1247)
Building on California's existing climate adaptation framework, AB 1247 would create a $500 million competitive grant program specifically for community-based organizations leading local resilience projects. The bill prioritizes organizations with demonstrated community ties over large consulting firms.
TerraFuture's position: While we operate primarily in the Pacific Northwest, we support this model and are advocating for similar legislation in Oregon. Community-based organizations are uniquely positioned to design and implement adaptation projects that reflect local needs.
Status: Introduced in January, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Colorado: Agricultural Climate Transition Support (HB 26-1183)
Colorado's bill would establish a state-funded technical assistance program for small and mid-size farms transitioning to climate-resilient agricultural practices. The program would cover soil health assessments, water efficiency improvements, and crop diversification planning.
TerraFuture's position: We endorse this approach. Our own community garden data demonstrates the viability and benefits of climate-adapted growing practices, and state support for agricultural transition is essential for food system resilience.
Status: Passed the House Agriculture Committee, moving to Appropriations.
What You Can Do
Climate legislation succeeds or fails based on public engagement. Here are concrete steps you can take.
Contact your state legislators. A brief phone call or email expressing support for specific bills has measurable impact, particularly at the state level where legislative offices receive far less constituent correspondence than federal offices.
Attend public hearings. Most state legislatures offer remote testimony options. TerraFuture's advocacy team publishes a monthly hearing calendar with instructions for submitting testimony.
Join our Advocacy Network. TerraFuture's Advocacy Network sends timely alerts when key votes approach and provides template language you can customize for your own communications. Over 2,400 members participated in advocacy actions in 2025.
Stay informed. We publish quarterly policy updates on this blog and through our newsletter. Understanding where legislation stands is the first step toward effective advocacy.
The policy landscape is moving rapidly. 2026 offers genuine opportunities to lock in strong climate protections at the state level. Whether these opportunities are realized depends in significant part on whether elected officials hear from constituents who care about these outcomes.
