In Brief Articles

How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption
Guide

Energy efficiency and renewable energy represent the fastest, cleanest and least expensive ways to reduce our electricity use -- and our dependence on oil. Here, some tips on doing just that, for both individuals and businesses -- along with links to other resources that will help you conserve even more.

Efficient Appliances Save Energy -- and Money
Guide

Energy efficient appliances are good for consumers and the environment. They won't solve our energy problems by themselves, but there are many reasons why they are a step in the right direction.

Wind, Solar and Biomass Energy Today
Overview

Not your father's "renewables," these alternatives to old and dirty fossil fuels are now business-friendly, cost-competitive and ready to meet a significant portion of America's energy needs.

Decoupling - Map test
Overview

Decoupling - Map test

Jobs that Build a Better Future
Overview

Investing in clean energy can help heal the environment and boost the American economy.

Jobs that Build a Better Future
Overview

More Green Jobs profiles

Redirected/Moved: Jobs that Build a Better Future
Overview

pages moved to energy/greenjobs

Biofuels – Getting it Right
Overview

If biofuels are done right, we could soon be filling our tanks with clean, renewable, homegrown energy.

No More Mountaintop Removal
Action

Across Appalachia, mining companies are wiping out some of America’s oldest and most revered mountains -- along with all that those mountains provide to the natural systems and communities they support. Take action now!

Contaminated Coal Waste
Overview

Power plants produce about 130 million tons of contaminated waste every year, and the federal government has failed to regulate it

Renewable Energy for America
Guide

This guide for farmers and agricultural communities on the economic benefits of investment in renewable energy includes maps showing both existing renewable energy facilities and potential for development of renewable resources.

Scenes from a Dirty Coal Disaster
Photo Album

Images from a coal ash spill in Tennessee show the dangers of toxic sludge produced by coal-fired power plants

Coal is Dirty and Dangerous
Overview

Coal is America’s No. 1 global warming polluter, despite the industry hype. Clean energy alternatives are better choices for our health, welfare and the U.S. economy.

Dump Dirty Diesel
History

NRDC has been square in the middle of a national, grassroots effort to clean up diesel pollution. We have led the way on numerous fronts and through many fights on the diesel issue, and sticking to our guns on a few key principles has been important to our success.

Stop Dirty Fuels
Overview

Looking for fuel in all the wrong places puts wildlands, air, water and climate at risk.

Plug In for a Greener Future
Overview

A new breed of hybrid cars could play a big role in cutting global warming pollution.

Reducing Hawaii’s Petroleum Dependence
Opinion

A new biodiesel policy for Hawaiian Electric could jumpstart sustainable agricultural energy in Hawaii.

Hybrid Values
Guide

If you're thinking of buying a hybrid, you’re looking at a range of high-tech cars that get great gas mileage, cut polluting emissions and earn you a tax break. Find out what makes a hybrid such a good buy, and learn what’s on the market.

China Clean Energy Project
Overview

Since 1996, NRDC has promoted efforts to develop a sustainable energy system in China, featuring cleaner, more efficient energy production and use. Learn more about our work.

What Parents Need to Know About Diesel School Buses
FAQ

Answers to questions including: What are the health effects of diesel exhaust inside school buses? Are all diesel buses equally dangerous? What can I do to reduce my children's exposure to diesel exhaust?

The Leaded Gas Scare of the 1920s
History

The invention of the additive tetraethyl lead for gasoline in the 1920s was a great technological advance, improving the performance of gasoline-fueled engines. But in 1924, reports began to appear of the harmful effects the substance had on humans. People working closely with tetraethyl lead had died suddenly and mysteriously. The reports were hushed up and leaded gas continued to power big American cars for another 50 years. Today we know that while lead is good for cars, it is bad for people. Although finally banned in the U.S. and other industrialized nations, leaded gasoline continues to be used in many developing countries where it is a continuing health risk.