Smith Chosen as NCEL's Interim Ohio State Lead

Today, state Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid) released a statement on his selection as the 2024 interim Ohio State Lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL). 

"I would like to thank former Ohio state Representative Mary Lightbody for her service to her district and the state of Ohio and her leadership as the outgoing Ohio Lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators," said Smith. “In my nine years of elected service in the Ohio General Assembly, I have always been impressed with the subject matter expertise that NCEL offers to Ohio Legislators. The Ohio General Assembly often wrestles with complicated issues involving water quality, clean air, sustainable agriculture and the new energy economy. The assistance that NCEL offers, in a nonpartisan manner, often helps cut through the special interest spin to get to the root of the matter. I am happy to resume my leadership role alongside them in Ohio as we seek to develop a better Ohio for all future generations who will walk Ohio soil, drink Lake Erie and Ohio River water and breathe Buckeye air."  

This position exemplifies a strong dedication to environmental policy in Ohio and a demonstrated leadership role within the Caucus. As a State Lead, Senator Smith will coordinate in-state events and grow NCEL’s network of legislators to assist in advancing environmental issues.

“NCEL’s State Leads foster crucial collaboration on environmental policy,” said Dylan McDowell, Acting Executive Director of NCEL. “We are grateful to have legislative leaders committed to uplifting and advancing NCEL’s work in their state, introducing lawmakers to emerging environmental issues, and facilitating collaboration with legislators across the country.”

Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,200 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both major parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on their environmental priorities while embedding notions of equity and justice every step of the way.

Senator Smith previously served in this role while in the Ohio House of Representatives in both 2018 and 2020. He replaces state Representative Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville), who has resigned from office effective Tuesday, January 9.