Issue Areas

Environmental Issues: Environmental Justice

Harboring Pollution: The Dirty Truth about U.S. Ports
Report: Marine ports in the United States are major hubs of economic activity and major sources of pollution. This March 2004 report by NRDC and the Coalition for Clean Air assesses efforts at the 10 largest U.S. ports to control pollution, and provides an overview of policy and practical pollution mitigation recommendations.
Harboring Pollution: Strategies to Clean Up U.S. Ports
Report: U.S. seaports are the largest and most poorly regulated sources of urban pollution in the country. This August 2004 report by NRDC and the Coalition for Clean Air provides practical strategies and policies for port operators, regulatory agencies, and community-based organizations to reduce health-endangering air and water pollution, noise and light pollution that disrupts communities near ports, and harm to marine habitats.

Clean Air Saves Lives Real stories of American families with asthma Overview: Four real stories of American families with asthma. Includes videos and images.
Coal is Dirty and Dangerous Efficiency and renewables are better options for repowering America with clean energy 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.
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.
Driving on Fumes Truck Drivers Face Elevated Health Risks from Diesel Pollution Issue Paper: Diesel pollution is well known to be hazardous to human health. Groups at particular risk include workers in diesel industries, such as trucking and rail, and communities located near major sources of diesel pollution, such as ports and freeways. This December 2007 issue paper summarizes the alarming findings of one of the first investigations to measure drivers' exposure levels to diesel soot inside trucks serving our nation's ports.

For additional policy documents, see the NRDC Document Bank.

We have the right to know what is in the air we breathe - A guest blog from Dominic Pierceall: posted by Diane Bailey, 6/17/13
The "New Bioeconomy": Synthetic Biology's Implications for the Environment, Health and Justice: posted by Jennifer Sass, 6/5/13
Let's End a Stinking Era: posted by Giulia C.S. Good Stefani, 5/23/13

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