New York

NRDC has its roots in New York, and we’ve spent decades galvanizing environmental progress across the state.

Aerial view of the Hudson River and New York City.

The Hudson River and New York City

Credit: J Henry Fair for NRDC

NRDC was born in New York more than a half century ago, back when raw sewage floated freely on the Hudson River and tailpipe exhaust choked New York City streets. A group of young lawyers came together, determined to bring change through the courts. Our very first client was the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association in 1974. NRDC helped it halt construction of a Con Edison hydroelectric plant at Storm King Mountain, which threatened the spawning ground of the river’s striped bass as well as the broader landscape. 

Today, in a state facing acute affordability and equity challenges, NRDC works to fortify local communities through environmental justice action while advancing ambitious clean energy and decarbonization policies. We focus some of our greatest advocacy efforts on the building and transportation sectors. Our priorities also include commonsense public health policies, covering everything from plastics and PFAS chemicals to fighting for repairs and improvements to aging and overburdened wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater systems. 

SEE OUR OTHER STATE WORK

Latest expert blogs on New York

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Talib, 6, plays with a plastic toy while eating breakfast cereal in the kitchen of his home in Brooklyn, New York City, on June 19, 2021.

When States Act, Markets Follow: The Ripple Effects of PFAS and Chemical Safety Policies

Expert BlogUnited States, California, New YorkAvinash Kar, Dr. Anna Reade
Five case studies show how state policies, championed by NRDC and partners, are reducing exposure to PFAS and other harmful chemicals far beyond state borders.

From a Whisper to a Murmur to a Chorus: It’s Time to Make Polluters Pay for the Climate Crisis

Expert BlogUnited States, Illinois, Vermont, New YorkKimberly Ong
Communities are rallying during this week’s Make Polluters Pay Week of Action.

A Glass Half Full? The State of New York’s Lead Pipes in the '27 Budget

Expert BlogNew YorkValerie Baron
There is a very clear need to invest in lead pipe replacement in the state, and the budget should do just that.

Latest Data, Reports & Resources on New York

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A graphic of construction images in a silhouette of New York state

Cross-Sector Working Group Releases Embodied Carbon Action Plan for New York State

BackgrounderNew YorkMikhail Haramati
As state, county, and municipal programs make strides in reducing the operational emissions associated with our buildings, these strategies will enable state entities to also reduce the emissions from materials.
The NRDC logo on dark blue background

Billion-Dollar Deals to Quit Offshore Wind Leases Ignite Investigations and Investor Alarm

BackgrounderUnited States, California, New YorkKit Kennedy
Walking away from offshore wind projects in response to short-term political or regulatory uncertainty runs counter to sound energy policy and prudent long-term system planning.
The NRDC logo on dark blue background

New York’s 2026 Legislative Session: Wins, Unfinished Fights, and Troubling Rollbacks

BackgrounderNew YorkKate Donovan, Samantha Wilt
A delayed budget process compressed the calendar and left lawmakers racing to move bills in the final days, resulting in a mixed bag of modest highlights, missed opportunities, and rollbacks.

Latest News, Commentary & Dispatches on New York

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The Fight Against This NYC Area Pipeline Is Not Over

DispatchNew York, New JerseyCourtney Lindwall
Constructing the offshore NESE pipeline would pollute waterways and come with higher energy bills for New Yorkers.

Introducing Polluters Pay Laws—a New Tool for Climate Adaptation

ExplainerUnited States, Vermont, New YorkShelia Hu
As states begin to pass “climate superfund” bills, here’s a closer look at what they do and why we need them.
Two lanes of bumper-to-bumper car traffic on a city bridge

What Is Congestion Pricing?

ExplainerUnited States, New York City
Fees charged for driving on busy city roads reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality while also generating sorely needed funding for the transit systems that many people rely on for their daily commutes.

Latest Court Battles involving New York

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Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline Lawsuits

Court CaseNew York, New JerseyActive

Climate Superfund Laws Defense Cases

Court CaseNew York, VermontActive
The philosophy behind these laws is simple: The fossil fuel companies that share responsibility for creating pollution should also share the responsibility for cleaning it up.
The image shows significant mold growth on a ceiling.

Baez v. New York City Housing Authority

Court CaseNew York, New York CityActive
The agency’s failure to remediate mold and moisture in city-owned housing exposes residents to avoidable, sometimes deadly health risks. NRDC and community partners are holding it accountable.