Gen Zers have spent most of our lives watching climate change play out, constantly being surrounded by information from school or the internet that makes the climate crisis feel extremely daunting. When the onslaught of issues feels overwhelming, it’s important to remember that little things can go a very long way. It has never been more important to find ways to help the planet, like trying to live sustainably on your college campus, being mindful of AI usage, and — most importantly — making sure your voice is heard by voting on environmental issues in your state elections.
The year 2026 has marked by natural disasters fueled by global warming, including the floods that devastated Texas and the wildfires raging across France and Canada, leaving destruction in their paths. After Earth Overshoot Day — the day the planet’s resource consumption exceeds what the planet is capable of regenerating in a year — occurred just over halfway through the year on July 30, it’s clear climate change policy should be high on our list of priorities in 2026, especially as we get closer to election season.
The government has a great deal of power over how we protect or harm our environment, a reality that has been made very clear by the recent definition changes within the Endangered Species Act under the Trump Administration and the pushback from environmental groups that has ensued in response.
With all this in mind, there are numerous climate change policies that have made it onto the ballot in quite a few states for the 2026 elections, with many different states seeking voters’ opinions on issues like conservation, energy usage, and the protection of natural resources. Here’s what to look out for.
Arkansas — On The Ballot
The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission Bond Measure will be on the ballot in November. Voting yes on this measure allows the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds, which would fund an array of water infrastructure projects, including water treatment and transportation, waste disposal, drainage, flood control, and other issues.
Colorado — Potential
Colorado residents can vote on a few different environmental policies in upcoming elections. The Colorado Right to Hunt and Fish Initiative has the potential to appear on the ballot as an initiated constitutional amendment in the November election. If passed, the initiative would allow the right to hunt and fish using traditional methods, excluding non-game species, endangered species, or any species that is illegal to hunt under federal law.
Additionally, the Colorado Right to Purchase and Sell Natural Gas for Cooking or Heating in Homes and Businesses Amendment could appear on the ballot in 2026. If passed, the amendment would establish the right to purchase natural gas for cooking or heating for both homes and businesses, as well as the right for distributors to supply natural gas to consumers, giving voters the ability to voice their opinions on natural gas usage.
Lastly, Colorado voters may be voting on the Colorado Sporting Goods Sales Tax for Environmental Funding Initiative, which would create a fund for environmental preservation and wildfire prevention that is funded by the sale of sporting goods in the state. The initiative has the potential to appear on the ballot in November.
Florida — On The Ballot
The Florida Exempt Tangible Personal Property Used for Agriculture or Agritourism from Property Taxes Amendment will be on the ballot in November. If passed, the amendment would exempt tangible personal property, like farming tools, from property taxes if that personal property is usually kept on agricultural land, is being used for farming, and is owned by the landowner. Supporters of the amendment argue it would eliminate extra burdens placed on farmers, while opponents argue the amendment would primarily support larger agricultural businesses, and more targeted legislation is needed to support smaller farmers.
Georgia — On The Ballot
The Georgia Increase Acre Limit for Agriculture and Timber Conservation Use Property Tax Classification Amendment will be on the ballot for Georgia voters in November. Voting yes on this amendment supports increasing the maximum amount of land that a single owner can enroll in Georgia’s Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) program — a program which allows land used for farming, timber production, or conservation to be taxed at 40% of its current use value — from 2K to 4K acres. Voting no would keep the current 2K-acre land limit.
Louisiana — On The Ballot
The Louisiana Use Public Funds for Drinking Water Utility Service Lines Amendment allows voters to decide whether public funds should be used to maintain drinking water utility service lines affected by hazardous materials on property owned by utility customers. Supporters of the amendment argue the bill is important to public health and ensuring there is no lead exposure in the water.
Massachusetts — On The Ballot
In Massachusetts, Question 6, the Establish the Nature for All Fund Initiative, will allow voters to decide if a fund for state money called the Nature for All Fund should be created to support nature conservation efforts. Before July 1, 2028, it would require half of the tax revenue from the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses to be placed in the fund, and after that same date, all of the tax revenue from those sales would be placed in the fund.
Rhode Island — On The Ballot
In Rhode Island, voters will decide on the Rhode Island Environment and Watershed Protection and Development Bond Measure during their November election. If passed, the measure would issue $55 million in bonds to fund a variety of environmental and recreational projects. This would include allocating $25 million to water infrastructure improvements, $3 million to the agricultural land preservation commission for farmland protection, and $12 million to fund the renovation, repair, and construction of existing and new recreational facilities, with the remaining money going to other similar projects.