Tell the Obama administration to move forward with strong carbon safeguards for new and existing power plants that will protect our planet and the health of our families.
NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.4 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals.
The New York Times calls us "One of the nation's most powerful environmental groups." The National Journal says we're "A credible and forceful advocate for stringent environmental protection."
Our dedicated staff work with businesses, elected leaders, and community groups on the biggest issues we face today. Our priorities include:
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In addition to our latest reports and press releases, you can see statements from our President Frances Beinecke, our Executive Director Peter Lehner and blog posts on many important issues.
NRDC has a staff of more than 350 lawyers, scientists, economists, and policy experts:
What the Experts Are Saying
Charity Watchdogs:
- "The Better Business Bureau reports that NRDC meets its highest standards for accountability and use of donor funds."
- —The Wise Giving Alliance of the Better Business Bureau
- "One of America's 100 Best Charities…. Even by environmentalist standards, this is a relentless group of lawyers and scientists."
- —Worth Magazine
News Sources:
- "One of the nation's most powerful environmental groups."
- —The New York Times
- "NRDC is, by many accounts, the most effective lobbying and litigating group on environmental issues."
- —The Wall Street Journal
- "NRDC's lawyers are said by eco-observers to know more about environmental law than the government does."
- —U.S. News & World Report
See For Yourself
Mission Statement
To safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends.
Annual Reports
In 2010, NRDC marked its 40th anniversary. Four decades is a powerful testament to NRDC's staying power, but what is more extraordinary is what we have accomplished in that time. Our work has made the air safer, water cleaner, and landscapes better protected.
Priority Issues
Curbing Global Warming
Climate change is the single biggest environmental and humanitarian crisis of our time. We must act now to spur the adoption of cleaner energy sources at home and abroad. Read More
Creating the Clean Energy Future
America's dependence on fossil fuels threatens our national security and is a major contributor to global warming and toxic air pollution. By investing in renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind and biomass, we can help solve the energy and climate crises. Read More
Reviving the World's Oceans
The world's oceans are on the brink of ecological collapse. We can restore marine vitality by ending overfishing, creating marine protected areas and improving the way we govern our oceans. Read More
Defending Endangered Wildlife and Wild Places
The destruction of our last remaining wildlands means the loss of vast troves of biological diversity, critical regulators of global climate, and irreplaceable sanctuaries. Read More
Protecting Our Health By Preventing Pollution
We must reduce or eliminate the dangerous chemicals in the products we buy, the food we eat and the air we breathe. Read More
Ensuring Safe and Sufficient Water
As we enter the 21st century, swelling demand and changing climate patterns are draining rivers and aquifers as pollution threatens the quality of what remains. Read More
Fostering Sustainable Communities
The choices we make for where and how we live have enormous impacts on our well-being, economy, and natural environment. NRDC develops and advocates sustainable solutions for our communities. Read More
Where we work
We're headquartered in New York City, and have offices in:
- Washington, DC
- Midwest
- Montana
- San Francisco, CA
- Santa Monica, CA
- Beijing, China
Click here to learn about our work in your community.
You can also read articles from our award-winning magazine, OnEarth and learn more about our past victories.
Jobs at NRDC
NRDC is ranked #9 on the NonProfit Times 50 Best Nonprofits to Work for 2012. To browse and apply for an open position, please click here.
Support NRDC
Become a member
Help support NRDC's efforts to protect the environment.
NRDC Gets Top Ratings from the Charity Watchdogs
- Charity Navigator awards NRDC its 4-star top rating.
- Worth magazine named NRDC one of America's 100 best charities.
- NRDC meets the highest standards of the Wise Giving Alliance of the Better Business Bureau.
NRDC Ranks 9th Best Nonprofit to Work for in 2012
NRDC came in at #9 on the NonProfit Times 50 Best Nonprofits to Work for 2012. Plus, we were the only environmental group in the top 50 and we were #2 compared to other organizations of our size.
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