Policy Solutions: Reports & Issue Papers

More Reports & Issue Papers

Fulfilling the Promise of U.S. Offshore Wind
Targeted State Investment Policies to Put an Abundant Renewable Resource within Reach

Issue Paper

Offshore wind is an inexhaustible resource that lies just off our shores. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy's landmark study found that the United States could obtain 20 percent of its electricity from wind by 2030, and more than 15 percent of that wind power could come from offshore projects, totaling 54,000 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity.

Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the U.S., 2013

Report

The Benchmarking project uses public data to compare the emissions performance of the 100 largest power producers in the United States, and discusses market trends affecting the electric generating sector, including trends in fuel prices, technology developments, and environmental regulations.

Who Pays for Climate Change?
U.S. Taxpayers Outspend Private Insurers Three-to-One to Cover Climate Disruption Costs

Issue Paper

Despite the lengthy debate on the federal budget in Congress, climate change rarely gets mentioned as a deficit driver. Yet paying for climate disruption was one of the largest non-defense discretionary budget items in 2012.

Never Eliminate Public Advice!

Fact Sheet

With an emphasis on "smart from the start" federal decision making, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) protects our health, our homes, and our environment. Thanks to this law, hundreds of millions of Americans have participated in important federal decisions. We are able to know the risk a government project or practice could pose to our community or health because of NEPA -- and we are guaranteed a voice.

Burning Trees for Electricity Will Accelerate Climate Change and Destroy Southern Forests

Fact Sheet

Power companies in the United States and Europe are expanding their use of trees, known as woody biomass, as a fuel source to replace fossil fuels. In the Southeast, the massive fuel needs of these energy companies could double logging rates and significantly increase carbon emissions, contributing to climate change at a time when we need to actively cut our carbon pollution.

Combined Heat and Power Systems
Improving the Energy Efficiency of Our Manufacturing Plants, Buildings, and Other Facilities

Issue Paper

Improving the energy efficiency of our manufacturing facilities, buildings, and homes can help us meet our energy challenges affordably. Combined heat and power (CHP) systems are strong examples of how energy-efficiency technologies can help achieve significant benefits for end-user facilities, utilities, and communities.

Getting Climate Smart
A Water Preparedness Guide for State Action

Issue Paper

As climate change continues to alter historical temperature and precipitation patterns, it is critical that states develop comprehensive plans to address its challenges. NRDC's Getting Climate Smart: A Water Preparedness Guide for State Action is a guide to assist water managers and state governments as they ready themselves for wide-ranging changes for their communities and ecosystems.

Saving Money and Energy
Case Study of the Energy-Efficiency Retrofit of the Godrej Bhavan Building in Mumbai

Issue Paper

Historic blackouts across India in July 2012 revealed the severity of India's energy crisis. Looking ahead, scaling up energy efficiency promises to be the fastest, cheapest, and cleanest way to help meet India's energy demands. This case study highlights Godrej Bhavan, an iconic office building in South Mumbai, focusing on the strong business case for energy-efficiency upgrades or retrofits.

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