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Communities Tackle Global Warming
A Guide to California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (SB 375)
Issue Paper

California's Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, or SB 375, is the nation's first legislation to link transportation and land use planning with global warming. SB 375 is an important step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous California. Locating housing closer to jobs and transportation choices and creating walkable communities can reduce commute times and cut millions of tons of global warming pollution, while improving quality of life.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES)
Legislation to build the clean energy future
Index of Fact Sheets

The American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill, has the major ingredients to generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on oil and reduce the pollution that causes global warming. Comprehensive energy and climate legislation will create the incentives necessary to build the clean energy economy and help make America a leader for the 21st century.

The Time Has Come for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act
Legislative Analysis

The U.S. law to control toxic chemicals is a failure. Essentially unchanged since 1976, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) has made it almost impossible for the EPA to get information on the health or environmental risks of industrial chemicals, or to restrict the use of dangerous substances. Chemical companies are rarely required to test the toxicity of their products, are allowed to shield critical information from the public, and are able to sell even dangerous products under an “innocent until proven guilty” approach to regulation. As a result, the TSCA has been ineffective -- regardless of the administration in power. However, recent developments have created tremendous opportunity for chemical policy reform.
Get document in pdf.

America’s Underwater Parks
The Marine Life Protection Act Safeguards Our Special Undersea Places
Fact Sheet

NRDC is supporting the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) to ensure that California has a system of marine protected areas along its coast to help the rich web of ocean life thrive. Get document in pdf.

AB 32 and You
How California’s Global Warming Solutions Act Delivers Smart Solutions to Californians
Fact Sheet

California is leading the country in its effort to curb global warming with the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). In December 2008, the California Air Resources Board unanimously adopted the state's plan outlining steps to a cleaner and more prosperous future. This visionary plan, the most comprehensive of its kind, will recharge California's economy, improve public health and air quality, help Californians use energy more efficiently, and make the state the hub of clean energy technology development—all while curbing global warming. Get document in pdf.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
An Opportunity to Repower America with a Green Economy
Legislative Analysis

The economic recovery package is a first step toward repowering America with green jobs, refueling our nation with clean energy, and rebuilding the country’s aging transportation and water infrastructure. As the bill moves into its final stages, Congress has a great opportunity to make a serious commitment to energy independence, reducing carbon emissions and protecting our environment while also creating millions of new jobs. In order to assure that these goals are met, NRDC supports the inclusion of these provisions in the final American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Get document in pdf.

Support Renewable Energy Grants Program In House Economic Recovery Bill
Legislative Analysis

For almost two decades, production and investment tax credits have been the primary tool used by the federal government to encourage extensive deployment of clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and geothermal, and the production of high efficiency appliances.1 Unfortunately, the current economic climate is drastically reducing profits and thus tax liabilities, which is limiting the effectiveness of these tax credits. Without smart federal action, the construction of new renewable power projects and the manufacture and purchase of new, super-efficient appliances will plummet. Get document in pdf.

Deepest Cuts
Repairing Health Monitoring Programs Slashed Under the Bush Administration
Issue Paper

When it comes to protecting public health from dangerous contaminants, the Bush Administration has left a legacy of dismal failure. We rely on the government to monitor contaminants and hazardous residues to ensure that our food, water, air, communities, and consumer products are safe. For decades, federal agencies charged with safeguarding health and the environment have tracked pollution, required industry reporting, and monitored disease rates. These programs provide the foundation for all health and environmental protection. Without adequate monitoring, the public, the scientific community, and the government are unaware of the hazards around us. New NRDC research in this December 2008 issue paper shows that the Bush Administration has dangerously slashed federal environmental and health monitoring programs.

From NRDC's President: Election 2008
Obama wins ... and not a moment too soon for the environment.
Opinion

Obama wins ... and not a moment too soon for the environment.

Legislative Watch
Bulletin

This biweekly bulletin tracks environmental bills moving through Congress.

Tax credits for Energy-efficient Commercial Buildings
Extension of the tax credits for energy-efficient commercial buildings, homes, and appliances will save Americans money and reduce global warming pollution
Legislative Analysis

The cheapest, cleanest and quickest response to global warming and high natural gas prices is to target energy efficiency. Studies have shown that energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce global warming pollution.

An Uneven Shield
The Record of Enforcement and Violations Under California's Environmental, Health and Workplace Safety Laws
Issue Paper

California leads the nation in setting standards to protect the health of families, communities and the environment. Yet too little is publicly known about how effectively these standards are enforced, or how officials respond when violations occur. This October 2008 report examines data on known violations and law enforcement responses under six critical pollution, health and workplace safety programs, and finds that enforcement of California's environmental and health laws varies widely across the state.

Offshore Drilling Threatens Our Beaches, Oceans, Coastal Communities and Marine Life
Legislative Analysis

President Bush and some members of Congress are pressing to open offshore areas that have been protected from oil drilling for many years, including the east and west coasts and Florida.

Boosting the Benefits
Improving Air Quality and Health by Reducing Global Warming Pollution in California
Issue Paper

California has the opportunity to combat global warming while simultaneously improving air quality and public health throughout the state. Measures being considered under the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) could save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of other negative health impacts each year -- saving billions of dollars in healthcare costs. NRDC analysis shows that strategies for reducing global warming pollution -- cleaner cars and trucks, energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart growth -- also reduce air pollution and bring tremendous short- and long-term health "co-benefits."

Legislative Analysis (Historical): The Climate Security Act, aka the Lieberman-Warner Bill
Overview

In June 2008, the U.S. Senate voted on but did not pass legislation to address the climate crisis. This page compiles NRDC analyses of many aspects of that bill. See also our analyses of the current legislation and the benefits of cap-and-trade policies.

California Clean Car Law Prevails over Big Auto Challenge
Landmark law restricting global warming pollution from cars upheld in court, but EPA quickly denies CA authority to legislate.
Overview

A landmark law restricting global warming pollution from cars is upheld in court.

Back from the Brink
How NRDC Helped Save the Ozone Layer
Issue Paper

September 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of the world’s most effective environmental treaty -- the Montreal Protocol. Back from the Brink: How NRDC Helped Save the Ozone Layer describes how a team of NRDC scientists and lawyers played a crucial role in creating this landmark environmental protection.

California Takes on Power Plant Emissions
SB 1368 Sets Groundbreaking Greenhouse Gas Performance Standard
Fact Sheet

California is ensuring a clean energy future by adopting the world's first greenhouse gas emissions performance standard for power plant investments. Senate Bill SB 368 requires that any new long-term financial investment in "baseload" generation resources -- those workhorse power plants that supply electricity around the clock -- made on behalf of California customers must be in clean energy sources. Get document in pdf.

Support a Ban On U.S. Mercury Exports
Legislative Analysis

The United States should take strong measures against global mercury contamination by adopting a ban on the export of surplus mercury to the world market.

A Golden Opportunity: California’s Solutions for Global Warming
California's Solutions for Global Warming
Report

The landmark California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, also known as AB 32, is the most ambitious global warming solutions law in the nation. The state’s next step: putting in place the specific measures that will bring emissions levels back to 1990 levels by 2020 to meet AB 32’s limit. This June 2007 report describes how California is protecting the state from global warming pollution while growing its economy and encouraging the innovative clean technology industry.

San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act
Legislative Analysis

Last year, a historic settlement was reached to restore flows and salmon populations to California's second longest river, the San Joaquin, and approved by the federal court.

Treating America's Oil Addiction
A Clean, Renewable Path to Energy Security
Fact Sheet

Our future depends on reducing our oil demand now. Get document in pdf.

California Signs Landmark Global Warming Legislation
News

California makes history by becoming the first state in the nation to set concrete limits on statewide global warming pollution.

After Katrina: New Solutions for Safe Communities and a Secure Energy Future
Report

The devastation and human suffering left behind by Hurricane Katrina has given America a task not faced since the Chicago fire, San Francisco earthquake, or perhaps even the Civil War -- the challenge of rebuilding one of its major cities. This September 2005 NRDC report represents the combined efforts of our best experts on public health, toxic waste, urban design, coastal protection, energy security and global warming to offer up a set of policies and practices to protect the safety and well-being of Gulf Coast residents -- and all Americans -- today, during the recovery period, and onward into a healthier, more sustainable future.

Environmental Policy Discussions After Hurricane Katrina
Index

Hurricane Katrina spurred widespread debate about environmental policies: those that may have contributed to the devastation and those that can help avert future disasters. As we work to ensure that our leaders take away the right lessons from this disaster, and respond with real solutions, we will update this page with NRDC recommendations and analyses.

Democracy in Action: The Energy Permitting Process Under NEPA
Testimony

Testimony of NRDC senior attorney Sharon Buccino at hearing on permitting of energy projects, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, May 25, 2005.

An Environmental Agenda for the 109th Congress
Issue Paper

This NRDC policy paper, issued in early 2005, summarizes the top environmental priorities NRDC sees ahead for the 109th Congress.

The Budget Process
How Congress makes the federal budget, step by step.
Overview

Ever wonder how Congress appropriates the hundreds of billions of dollars in the federal discretionary budget each year? Find out with our short step-by-step primer on the budget process.

The Environmental Record of the 108th Congress
Issue Paper

The 108th Congress was called to order on January 7, 2003, and adjourned on December 8, 2004 (more than two full months after scheduled adjournment). We recount the major environmental battles and outcomes below.

Rewriting the Rules (2005 Special Edition)
Report

The Bush administration took nearly 150 actions to undermine environmental protections over the past year, consistent with its historic assault on the nation's environmental safeguards. This January 2005 NRDC report assesses the Bush presidency's first-term environmental policies, and previews battles expected during the administration's second term.

Holding the Line: The Environmental Record of the 107th Congress
Report

This December 2002 report tracks the environmental record of the 107th Congress and identifies issues to watch in the 108th.

Clean Water at Risk: An Assessment of Bush Administration Water Protection Rollbacks
Report

An October 2002 NRDC report -- issued on the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act -- that assesses the impact this landmark environmental law has had on the safety and environmental health of the nation’s waterways and documents the Bush administration's sustained attack on clean water protections.

Environment in the Crosshairs: Assessing Federal Legislation in 2001 (107th Congress)
Report

This February 2002 NRDC report describes the battles waged by the 107th Congress over public lands, water and health. Tracking major environmental legislation throughout 2002, the report concludes that the political agenda of both the House leadership and the White House has been to weaken environmental protections and policies at every turn, and only the leadership of the Senate has prevented the worst from occurring.

Hostile Environment: How Activist Judges Threaten Our Air, Water, and Land
Report

In the past decade, several federal judges have placed their own political agenda above the clear mandates of our environmental laws. Ignoring congressional statutes and legal precedent, they have put new hurdles in the way of environmental regulators and closed courthouse doors to citizens who would sue polluters. This July 2001 NRDC report tracks these developments, and charges that appointing new activist judges to the bench could signal a death sentence for many environmental protections.

The Legislative Record: Environment and the 106th Congress
Report

This February 2001 report analyzes major environmental legislative activity in the 106th Congress and evaluates progress by subject area. The report concludes that the environmental legacy of the 106th Congress lies largely in its failure to take any meaningful action to protect public health and the environment.

E-law: What Started It All?
It began with a court battle over a power plant slated for Storm King Mountain and matured with test cases modeled on tactics pioneered by the NAACP.
History

Environmental public interest attorneys use America's environmental statutes and legal precedents to defend and advocate for wildlife and wild places and to protect public health. Environmental law has only been around since about the time of the first Earth Day in 1970. It began with a court battle over a power plant slated for an unspoiled area in the Hudson River valley, and matured with test cases modeled on tactics pioneered by the NAACP.

At the Crossroads: Environmental Threats and Opportunities in the 106th Congress
Report

A report offering a comprehensive review of environmental legislation Congress is expected to consider in 2000. The report includes a summary and analysis of each pending legislative proposal on the environment, a short review of various "regulatory reform" bills, charts showing the legislative status of each pending environmental and regulatory reform bill, and a list of laws and appropriations riders affecting the environment that were passed in 1999.

Damage Report: Environment and the 105th Congress
Report

A report on the action -- and inaction -- of the 105th Congress on environmental issues. In particular, the report highlights the fact that the most important environmental battles of this Congress occurred not over proposals to revise environmental statutes, but over provisions buried in federal spending bills.

Comments on CARB's Regulations to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles
Comments

Official comments from NRDC's global warming and clean-cars experts on the draft regulations for implementation of AB 1493, California's landmark law requiring automakers to reduce heat-trapping exhaust from new vehicles by about 30 percent over the next decade.

For additional policy documents, see the NRDC Document Bank.