diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 2fc1436f..19f5ad1d 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
   * This makes it more convenient to configure the default environment
 * feat: Validate call argument against candid interface
   * The interface is fetched from canister metadata onchain
+* feat: Accept an environment as argument for network commands
 * feat: call argument building interactively using candid assist
 
 # v0.1.0-beta.2
diff --git a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/args.rs b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/args.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d0162947
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/args.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+use clap::Args;
+use icp::{context::NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection, project::DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME};
+
+#[derive(Args, Clone, Debug)]
+pub(crate) struct NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs {
+    /// Name of the network to use
+    #[arg(
+        help = "Name of the network to use. Overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT if set.",
+        long_help = "Name of the network to use.\n\n\
+                     Takes precedence over -e/--environment and the ICP_ENVIRONMENT \
+                     environment variable when specified explicitly."
+    )]
+    pub(crate) name: Option<String>,
+
+    /// Use the network from the specified environment
+    #[arg(
+        short = 'e',
+        long,
+        help = "Use the network from the specified environment",
+        long_help = "Use the network configured in the specified environment.\n\n\
+                     Cannot be used together with an explicit network name argument.\n\
+                     The ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable is also checked when \
+                     neither network name nor -e flag is specified."
+    )]
+    pub(crate) environment: Option<String>,
+}
+
+impl From<NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs> for Result<NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection, anyhow::Error> {
+    fn from(args: NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs) -> Self {
+        // Check for mutual exclusivity (both explicit)
+        if args.name.is_some() && args.environment.is_some() {
+            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!(
+                "Cannot specify both network name and environment. \
+                 Use either a network name or -e/--environment, not both."
+            ));
+        }
+
+        // Precedence 1: Explicit network name (highest)
+        if let Some(name) = args.name {
+            return Ok(NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection::Network(name));
+        }
+
+        // Precedence 2: Explicit environment flag
+        if let Some(env_name) = args.environment {
+            return Ok(NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection::Environment(env_name));
+        }
+
+        // Precedence 3: ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+        if let Ok(env_name) = std::env::var("ICP_ENVIRONMENT") {
+            return Ok(NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection::Environment(env_name));
+        }
+
+        // Precedence 4: Default to "local" network (lowest)
+        Ok(NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection::Network(
+            DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME.to_string(),
+        ))
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/mod.rs b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/mod.rs
index 04a149ba..b5355d53 100644
--- a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/mod.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 use clap::Subcommand;
 
+mod args;
 pub(crate) mod list;
 pub(crate) mod ping;
 pub(crate) mod start;
diff --git a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/ping.rs b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/ping.rs
index 4fe3063d..ce1b393e 100644
--- a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/ping.rs
+++ b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/ping.rs
@@ -1,18 +1,39 @@
-use anyhow::{anyhow, bail};
+use anyhow::bail;
 use clap::Args;
 use ic_agent::{Agent, agent::status::Status};
-use icp::{identity::IdentitySelection, project::DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME};
+use icp::identity::IdentitySelection;
 use std::time::Duration;
 use tokio::time::sleep;
 
+use super::args::NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs;
 use icp::context::Context;
 
 /// Try to connect to a network, and print out its status.
 #[derive(Args, Debug)]
+#[command(after_long_help = "\
+Examples:
+
+    # Ping default 'local' network
+    icp network ping
+  
+    # Ping explicit network
+    icp network ping mynetwork
+  
+    # Ping using environment flag
+    icp network ping -e staging
+  
+    # Ping using ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network ping
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network ping local
+  
+    # Wait until healthy
+    icp network ping --wait-healthy
+")]
 pub(crate) struct PingArgs {
-    /// The compute network to connect to. By default, ping the local network.
-    #[arg(value_name = "NETWORK", default_value = DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME)]
-    network: String,
+    #[clap(flatten)]
+    network_selection: NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs,
 
     /// Repeatedly ping until the replica is healthy or 1 minute has passed.
     #[arg(long)]
@@ -20,19 +41,15 @@ pub(crate) struct PingArgs {
 }
 
 pub(crate) async fn exec(ctx: &Context, args: &PingArgs) -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
-    // Load Project
-    let p = ctx.project.load().await?;
+    // Load project
+    let _ = ctx.project.load().await?;
 
-    // Obtain network configuration
-    let network = p.networks.get(&args.network).ok_or_else(|| {
-        anyhow!(
-            "project does not contain a network named '{}'",
-            args.network
-        )
-    })?;
+    // Convert args to selection and get network
+    let selection: Result<_, _> = args.network_selection.clone().into();
+    let network = ctx.get_network_or_environment(&selection?).await?;
 
     // NetworkAccess
-    let access = ctx.network.access(network).await?;
+    let access = ctx.network.access(&network).await?;
 
     // Agent
     let agent = ctx
diff --git a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/start.rs b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/start.rs
index 25bd66c8..40d92b93 100644
--- a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/start.rs
+++ b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/start.rs
@@ -1,20 +1,40 @@
-use anyhow::{Context as _, anyhow, bail};
+use anyhow::{Context as _, bail};
 use clap::Args;
 use icp::{
     identity::manifest::IdentityList,
     network::{Configuration, run_network},
-    project::DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME,
 };
 use tracing::debug;
 
+use super::args::NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs;
 use icp::context::Context;
 
 /// Run a given network
 #[derive(Args, Debug)]
+#[command(after_long_help = "\
+Examples:
+
+    # Use default 'local' network
+    icp network start
+  
+    # Use explicit network name
+    icp network start mynetwork
+  
+    # Use environment flag
+    icp network start -e staging
+  
+    # Use ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network start
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network start local
+  
+    # Background mode with environment
+    icp network start -e staging -d
+")]
 pub(crate) struct StartArgs {
-    /// Name of the network to start
-    #[arg(default_value = DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME)]
-    name: String,
+    #[clap(flatten)]
+    network_selection: NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs,
 
     /// Starts the network in a background process. This command will exit once the network is running.
     /// To stop the network, use 'icp network stop'.
@@ -26,11 +46,9 @@ pub(crate) async fn exec(ctx: &Context, args: &StartArgs) -> Result<(), anyhow::
     // Load project
     let p = ctx.project.load().await?;
 
-    // Obtain network configuration
-    let network = p
-        .networks
-        .get(&args.name)
-        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("project does not contain a network named '{}'", args.name))?;
+    // Convert args to selection and get network
+    let selection: Result<_, _> = args.network_selection.clone().into();
+    let network = ctx.get_network_or_environment(&selection?).await?;
 
     let cfg = match &network.configuration {
         // Locally-managed network
@@ -38,24 +56,24 @@ pub(crate) async fn exec(ctx: &Context, args: &StartArgs) -> Result<(), anyhow::
 
         // Non-managed networks cannot be started
         Configuration::Connected { connected: _ } => {
-            bail!("network '{}' is not a managed network", args.name)
+            bail!("network '{}' is not a managed network", network.name)
         }
     };
 
     let pdir = &p.dir;
 
     // Network directory
-    let nd = ctx.network.get_network_directory(network)?;
+    let nd = ctx.network.get_network_directory(&network)?;
     nd.ensure_exists()
         .context("failed to create network directory")?;
 
     if nd.load_network_descriptor().await?.is_some() {
-        bail!("network '{}' is already running", args.name);
+        bail!("network '{}' is already running", network.name);
     }
 
     // Clean up any existing canister ID mappings of which environment is on this network
     for env in p.environments.values() {
-        if env.network == *network {
+        if env.network == network {
             // It's been ensured that the network is managed, so is_cache is true.
             ctx.ids.cleanup(true, env.name.as_str())?;
         }
diff --git a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/status.rs b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/status.rs
index 85af56fb..0370b129 100644
--- a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/status.rs
+++ b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/status.rs
@@ -1,14 +1,36 @@
-use anyhow::{anyhow, bail};
+use anyhow::bail;
 use clap::Args;
-use icp::{context::Context, network::Configuration, project::DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME};
+use icp::{context::Context, network::Configuration};
 use serde::Serialize;
 
+use super::args::NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs;
+
 /// Get status information about a running network
 #[derive(Args, Debug)]
+#[command(after_long_help = "\
+Examples:
+
+    # Get status of default 'local' network
+    icp network status
+  
+    # Get status of explicit network
+    icp network status mynetwork
+  
+    # Get status using environment flag
+    icp network status -e staging
+  
+    # Get status using ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network status
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network status local
+  
+    # JSON output
+    icp network status --json
+")]
 pub(crate) struct StatusArgs {
-    /// Name of the network
-    #[arg(default_value = DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME)]
-    name: String,
+    #[clap(flatten)]
+    network_selection: NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs,
 
     /// Format output as JSON
     #[arg(long = "json")]
@@ -25,27 +47,25 @@ struct NetworkStatus {
 
 pub(crate) async fn exec(ctx: &Context, args: &StatusArgs) -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
     // Load project
-    let p = ctx.project.load().await?;
+    let _ = ctx.project.load().await?;
 
-    // Obtain network configuration
-    let network = p
-        .networks
-        .get(&args.name)
-        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("project does not contain a network named '{}'", args.name))?;
+    // Convert args to selection and get network
+    let selection: Result<_, _> = args.network_selection.clone().into();
+    let network = ctx.get_network_or_environment(&selection?).await?;
 
     // Ensure it's a managed network
     if let Configuration::Connected { connected: _ } = &network.configuration {
-        bail!("network '{}' is not a managed network", args.name)
+        bail!("network '{}' is not a managed network", network.name)
     };
 
     // Network directory
-    let nd = ctx.network.get_network_directory(network)?;
+    let nd = ctx.network.get_network_directory(&network)?;
 
     // Load network descriptor
     let descriptor = nd
         .load_network_descriptor()
         .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("network '{}' is not running", args.name))?;
+        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow::anyhow!("network '{}' is not running", network.name))?;
 
     // Build status structure
     let status = NetworkStatus {
diff --git a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/stop.rs b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/stop.rs
index be4e7b20..1fc74ffa 100644
--- a/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/stop.rs
+++ b/crates/icp-cli/src/commands/network/stop.rs
@@ -1,42 +1,57 @@
-use anyhow::{anyhow, bail};
-use clap::Parser;
+use anyhow::bail;
+use clap::Args;
 use icp::{
     fs::remove_file,
     network::{Configuration, config::ChildLocator, managed::run::stop_network},
-    project::DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME,
 };
 
+use super::args::NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs;
 use icp::context::Context;
 
 /// Stop a background network
-#[derive(Parser, Debug)]
+#[derive(Args, Debug)]
+#[command(after_long_help = "\
+Examples:
+
+    # Stop default 'local' network
+    icp network stop
+  
+    # Stop explicit network
+    icp network stop mynetwork
+  
+    # Stop using environment flag
+    icp network stop -e staging
+  
+    # Stop using ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network stop
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network stop local
+")]
 pub struct Cmd {
-    /// Name of the network to stop
-    #[arg(default_value = DEFAULT_LOCAL_NETWORK_NAME)]
-    name: String,
+    #[clap(flatten)]
+    network_selection: NetworkOrEnvironmentArgs,
 }
 
 pub async fn exec(ctx: &Context, cmd: &Cmd) -> Result<(), anyhow::Error> {
     // Load project
-    let p = ctx.project.load().await?;
+    let _ = ctx.project.load().await?;
 
-    // Obtain network configuration
-    let network = p
-        .networks
-        .get(&cmd.name)
-        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("project does not contain a network named '{}'", cmd.name))?;
+    // Convert args to selection and get network
+    let selection: Result<_, _> = cmd.network_selection.clone().into();
+    let network = ctx.get_network_or_environment(&selection?).await?;
 
     if let Configuration::Connected { connected: _ } = &network.configuration {
-        bail!("network '{}' is not a managed network", cmd.name)
+        bail!("network '{}' is not a managed network", network.name)
     };
 
     // Network directory
-    let nd = ctx.network.get_network_directory(network)?;
+    let nd = ctx.network.get_network_directory(&network)?;
 
     let descriptor = nd
         .load_network_descriptor()
         .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("network '{}' is not running", cmd.name))?;
+        .ok_or_else(|| anyhow::anyhow!("network '{}' is not running", network.name))?;
 
     match &descriptor.child_locator {
         ChildLocator::Pid { pid } => {
diff --git a/crates/icp/src/context/mod.rs b/crates/icp/src/context/mod.rs
index 760f7dbf..c954433a 100644
--- a/crates/icp/src/context/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/icp/src/context/mod.rs
@@ -52,6 +52,15 @@ impl EnvironmentSelection {
     }
 }
 
+/// Selection type for network commands that accept either network name or environment
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq)]
+pub enum NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection {
+    /// Use a network by name
+    Network(String),
+    /// Use the network from an environment by name
+    Environment(String),
+}
+
 /// Selection type for canisters - similar to IdentitySelection
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq)]
 pub enum CanisterSelection {
@@ -180,6 +189,28 @@ impl Context {
         }
     }
 
+    /// Gets a network from either a network name or environment name.
+    ///
+    /// # Errors
+    ///
+    /// Returns an error if the project cannot be loaded or if the network/environment is not found.
+    pub async fn get_network_or_environment(
+        &self,
+        selection: &NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection,
+    ) -> Result<crate::Network, GetNetworkOrEnvironmentError> {
+        match selection {
+            NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection::Network(network_name) => {
+                let network_selection = NetworkSelection::Named(network_name.clone());
+                Ok(self.get_network(&network_selection).await?)
+            }
+            NetworkOrEnvironmentSelection::Environment(env_name) => {
+                let env_selection = EnvironmentSelection::Named(env_name.clone());
+                let env = self.get_environment(&env_selection).await?;
+                Ok(env.network)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     pub async fn get_canister_and_path_for_env(
         &self,
         canister_name: &str,
@@ -478,7 +509,7 @@ pub enum GetEnvironmentError {
     #[snafu(transparent)]
     ProjectLoad { source: crate::ProjectLoadError },
 
-    #[snafu(display("environment '{}' not found in project", name))]
+    #[snafu(display("project does not contain an environment named '{}'", name))]
     EnvironmentNotFound { name: String },
 }
 
@@ -487,7 +518,7 @@ pub enum GetNetworkError {
     #[snafu(transparent)]
     ProjectLoad { source: crate::ProjectLoadError },
 
-    #[snafu(display("network '{}' not found in project", name))]
+    #[snafu(display("project does not contain a network named '{}'", name))]
     NetworkNotFound { name: String },
 
     #[snafu(display("cannot load URL-specified network"))]
@@ -497,6 +528,15 @@ pub enum GetNetworkError {
     DefaultNetwork,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug, Snafu)]
+pub enum GetNetworkOrEnvironmentError {
+    #[snafu(transparent)]
+    NetworkResolution { source: GetNetworkError },
+
+    #[snafu(transparent)]
+    EnvironmentResolution { source: GetEnvironmentError },
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Snafu)]
 pub enum GetCanisterIdForEnvError {
     #[snafu(transparent)]
diff --git a/docs/cli-reference.md b/docs/cli-reference.md
index 2f824156..17650599 100644
--- a/docs/cli-reference.md
+++ b/docs/cli-reference.md
@@ -626,16 +626,41 @@ Launch and manage local test networks
 
 Try to connect to a network, and print out its status
 
-**Usage:** `icp network ping [OPTIONS] [NETWORK]`
+**Usage:** `icp network ping [OPTIONS] [NAME]`
+
+Examples:
+
+    # Ping default 'local' network
+    icp network ping
+  
+    # Ping explicit network
+    icp network ping mynetwork
+  
+    # Ping using environment flag
+    icp network ping -e staging
+  
+    # Ping using ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network ping
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network ping local
+  
+    # Wait until healthy
+    icp network ping --wait-healthy
+
 
 ###### **Arguments:**
 
-* `<NETWORK>` — The compute network to connect to. By default, ping the local network
+* `<NAME>` — Name of the network to use.
 
-  Default value: `local`
+   Takes precedence over -e/--environment and the ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable when specified explicitly.
 
 ###### **Options:**
 
+* `-e`, `--environment <ENVIRONMENT>` — Use the network configured in the specified environment.
+
+   Cannot be used together with an explicit network name argument.
+   The ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable is also checked when neither network name nor -e flag is specified.
 * `--wait-healthy` — Repeatedly ping until the replica is healthy or 1 minute has passed
 
 
@@ -646,14 +671,39 @@ Run a given network
 
 **Usage:** `icp network start [OPTIONS] [NAME]`
 
+Examples:
+
+    # Use default 'local' network
+    icp network start
+  
+    # Use explicit network name
+    icp network start mynetwork
+  
+    # Use environment flag
+    icp network start -e staging
+  
+    # Use ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network start
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network start local
+  
+    # Background mode with environment
+    icp network start -e staging -d
+
+
 ###### **Arguments:**
 
-* `<NAME>` — Name of the network to start
+* `<NAME>` — Name of the network to use.
 
-  Default value: `local`
+   Takes precedence over -e/--environment and the ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable when specified explicitly.
 
 ###### **Options:**
 
+* `-e`, `--environment <ENVIRONMENT>` — Use the network configured in the specified environment.
+
+   Cannot be used together with an explicit network name argument.
+   The ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable is also checked when neither network name nor -e flag is specified.
 * `-d`, `--background` — Starts the network in a background process. This command will exit once the network is running. To stop the network, use 'icp network stop'
 
 
@@ -664,14 +714,39 @@ Get status information about a running network
 
 **Usage:** `icp network status [OPTIONS] [NAME]`
 
+Examples:
+
+    # Get status of default 'local' network
+    icp network status
+  
+    # Get status of explicit network
+    icp network status mynetwork
+  
+    # Get status using environment flag
+    icp network status -e staging
+  
+    # Get status using ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network status
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network status local
+  
+    # JSON output
+    icp network status --json
+
+
 ###### **Arguments:**
 
-* `<NAME>` — Name of the network
+* `<NAME>` — Name of the network to use.
 
-  Default value: `local`
+   Takes precedence over -e/--environment and the ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable when specified explicitly.
 
 ###### **Options:**
 
+* `-e`, `--environment <ENVIRONMENT>` — Use the network configured in the specified environment.
+
+   Cannot be used together with an explicit network name argument.
+   The ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable is also checked when neither network name nor -e flag is specified.
 * `--json` — Format output as JSON
 
 
@@ -680,13 +755,38 @@ Get status information about a running network
 
 Stop a background network
 
-**Usage:** `icp network stop [NAME]`
+**Usage:** `icp network stop [OPTIONS] [NAME]`
+
+Examples:
+
+    # Stop default 'local' network
+    icp network stop
+  
+    # Stop explicit network
+    icp network stop mynetwork
+  
+    # Stop using environment flag
+    icp network stop -e staging
+  
+    # Stop using ICP_ENVIRONMENT variable
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network stop
+  
+    # Name overrides ICP_ENVIRONMENT
+    ICP_ENVIRONMENT=staging icp network stop local
+
 
 ###### **Arguments:**
 
-* `<NAME>` — Name of the network to stop
+* `<NAME>` — Name of the network to use.
+
+   Takes precedence over -e/--environment and the ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable when specified explicitly.
+
+###### **Options:**
+
+* `-e`, `--environment <ENVIRONMENT>` — Use the network configured in the specified environment.
 
-  Default value: `local`
+   Cannot be used together with an explicit network name argument.
+   The ICP_ENVIRONMENT environment variable is also checked when neither network name nor -e flag is specified.