News & Commentary

School Districts Commit to Responsibly Raised Turkey

March 11, 2021 Expert BlogNew York City, New York, Los Angeles, California, Dallas, TexasLena Brook

Urban School Food Alliance sets new responsible antibiotics use standard for turkey in school meals.

Meet Michael Regan

March 11, 2021 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

Biden’s pick to head the EPA is a seasoned fighter in the battle for clean air and a champion for environmental justice.

EPA Takes First Step Toward Undoing Trump’s Illegal and Woefully Weak Lead and Copper Rule

March 10, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesNRDC

The agency is pausing on the previous administration’s changes to the rule in order to consult with communities who are most impacted.

Time to End New York’s Fossil Fuel–Related Tax Breaks

March 10, 2021 Expert BlogNew YorkRich Schrader, Marisa Guerrero

Ending the tax benefits the state offers to the oil and gas industry is a critical way to simultaneously tackle the global climate crisis while saving taxpayer money.

Building for “a Climate Damn Emergency”

March 10, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaPierre Delforge

The California Energy Commission is working on its 2022 update to the state building code, which encourages all-electric new construction. NRDC and a broad coalition supports the CEC's direction, but asks it to go further to help fight the climate…

One Year On: The Toll and the Lessons of the Pandemic

March 10, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesMitchell Bernard

We must build back from the pandemic better than before, lay the foundations for the strong, durable, and broad-based recovery we need, and promote a more just and equitable society.

The Celilo Wy'am Are Still Here

March 10, 2021 DispatchOregonNicole Greenfield

Matriarch Lana Jack continues a decades-long fight for federal recognition of her band—and the right to continue living on the lands of her ancestors.

Biden Can Protect Communities, Halt Mountain Valley Pipeline

March 9, 2021 Expert BlogWest Virginia, Virginia, North CarolinaAmy Mall

We have new leadership in Washington under President Biden, and his administration should take action to send the Mountain Valley Pipeline right where it belongs—into the dustbin of history.

California Proposes to Transition Away from Toxic Pesticides

March 9, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaAllison Johnson

California's proposal to update pesticide fees could offer better protections for farm workers, agricultural communities, and vulnerable ecosystems, as well as help farmers adopt more sustainable practices.

Pebble Mine: Investors Beware

March 9, 2021 Expert BlogAlaskaJoel Reynolds

After denial of federal permit, Canadian owner of embattled Bristol Bay mining scheme doubles down on assurances to potential investors, ignoring intensifying support of demand by Alaskans for permanent protection of Bristol Bay fishery.

Changes to Energy Code Process Strip Power from Local Voters

March 8, 2021 Expert BlogInternationalLauren Urbanek

The development of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will move from a procedure driven by the votes of thousands of local governmental members, to one that relies on decision-making by a committee.

Smart Procurement Policies Can Help Decarbonize Concrete

March 5, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesSasha Stashwick

Across state governments and federally, momentum is building to advance policies that encourage production of industrial building materials with lower embodied emissions while investing in domestic manufacturing and high-quality jobs.

NOAA Pressured to Take Emergency Action for Right Whales

March 5, 2021 Expert BlogUnited States, EastDr. Francine Kershaw

The proposed rulemaking to protect North Atlantic right whales from entanglement fails to meet the legal requirements set forth by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and must be immediately withdrawn for substantial revision.

"Dear President Biden: Don’t Forget the Ocean on Earth Day!"

March 4, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesLisa Speer

UPDATED: Science, Polling Support NY Bill to Save Bees

March 3, 2021 Expert BlogNew YorkDaniel Raichel

Senator Brad Hoylman introduced new language today for the Birds and Bees Protection Act, a bill that would make the state a national leader in safeguarding its bees, birds, water, and people from widespread neonicotinoid pesticide contamination.

Capturing the Climate Crisis—in Song

March 3, 2021 PerspectivesCanadaJeff Turrentine

On her new album, indie-pop artist Tamara Lindeman explores the complicated ways that climate change is changing . . . us.

Mexico Energy Law Goes Against North American Climate Action

March 3, 2021 Expert BlogMexicoCarolina Herrera

The bill is a major setback for climate action and renewable energy investments in Mexico that will likely raise trade disputes under Mexico’s trade agreements with the U.S. and other nations.

MISO and SPP Can Benefit from a More Connected Grid

March 3, 2021 Expert BlogTexas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kansas, MissouriToba Pearlman

Electric grids across the Midwest, South, and in Texas failed a key resilience test during last month’s winter storm, and one key conclusion is clear: The grids connected via transmission lines fared significantly better than those isolated and on their…

Court Retains Ban on Toxic Phthalate Chemicals in Children’s Products and Toys

March 3, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesNRDC

The much-needed protections against the harmful chemicals will stay in place for now, keeping children safe.

More Than 2 Weeks, No Safe Water in Jackson, Mississippi

March 3, 2021 Expert BlogJackson, MississippiErik D. Olson

Residents of Jackson are fed up, living without safe water for more than 2 weeks. Here's what needs to happen to fix the problem.