Data, Reports & Resources

NRDC is a leader and trusted source in environmental policy and research. 

From reports to issue briefs, we ensure accountability through peer review led by our Science Office, which provides data and scientific analysis that help shape and guide NRDC’s policies and positions. We also offer a range of other resources, such as 101 guides and consumer-focused scorecards to increase access to knowledge about how everyone can be a catalyst for change. 

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A plastic cup among a pile of wet leaves and branches on the ground

Single-Use Plastics 101

GuideUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall
Here’s everything you need to know about the most ubiquitous (and avoidable) kind of plastic waste: the kind made to be tossed in mere minutes.
A pipe sits atop dirt next to a building

Will Funds for Water Infrastructure Flow Fairly?

ReportUnited StatesBecky Hammer, Erik D. Olson
These report cards grade all 50 states on water funding equity.
A view of the cross-section of a cut water pipe

Getting the Lead Out: Removing Lead Pipes Would Yield Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in Health Benefits

Issue BriefUnited StatesErik D. Olson
Removing lead service lines could save the United States an estimated $786 billion from avoided health impacts over the next 35 years.

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Keystone Species 101

GuideInternational, United StatesMelissa Denchak
From coastal tide pools and rolling prairies to African savanna and arctic terrain, the earth is home to myriad ecosystems, each one regulated by interlinking parts, including the creatures that call them home.

Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms 101

GuideUnited StatesMelissa Denchak, Melanie Sturm

Ugly, foul-smelling and sometimes toxic, algal blooms are becoming more common in freshwater ecosystems like rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Here’s a look at how excess algae can impact the environment—and human health.

Wildlife Trade 101

GuideInternational, United StatesChia-Yi Hou

Wildlife trade is big business, with wild plants, animals, and products made from them sold around the globe, legally and illegally. It’s also a leading cause of the planet’s accelerating biodiversity crisis and resultant ecosystem collapse.

Bioenergy 101

GuideInternational, United StatesCourtney Lindwall

Some people tout bioenergy as a solution to our climate crisis. But take a closer look, and this plant and animal power doesn’t actually live up to its promise.

Map of Over 600 Known PFAS Contamination Sites (PDF)

Testimony
Prepared written testimony of Erik Olson, NRDC’s Senior Director for Health and Food, before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, regarding the risks of PFAS contamination and exposure.

Fracking 101

GuideTexas, Pennsylvania, New York, California, North Dakota, FloridaMelissa Denchak
Hydraulic fracturing has upended the global energy landscape and made fossil fuels big business in the United States. Mounting evidence shows that it poses serious threats to our health, environment, and climate future. Here’s a look at the fracking boom…

Drought: Everything You Need to Know

GuideUnited States, InternationalMelissa Denchak
Drought affects more people globally than any other natural disaster. Here’s what causes these prolonged dry spells and how we can mitigate their impact.

Testimony of Erik D. Olson Regarding PFAS (PDF)

Testimony
The testimony of Erik D. Olson — Senior Director for Health & Food in NRDC's Healthy People & Thriving Communities Program — before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment regarding PFAS.

Permafrost: Everything You Need to Know

GuideArcticMelissa Denchak

The “permanently” frozen earth at our planet’s poles and in other cold climes is thawing, with big consequences to our climate, ecosystems, and health.

Written Testimony of Jennifer Sass (PDF)

Testimony
Dr. Jennifer Sass, senior scientist at NRDC, testifying before the House Science Committee on February 6, 2018 regarding the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). IARC is under attack because of its 2015 finding that the weed-killer glyphosate, the...

Oral Testimony of Scott Slesinger (PDF)

Testimony
Testimony of Scott Slesinger of NRDC Before the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Communications and Technology on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, regarding Infrastructure Plans and Environmental Law Protections.

Written Testimony of Scott Slesinger (PDF)

Testimony
Testimony of Scott Slesinger of NRDC Before the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Communications and Technology on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, regarding Infrastructure Plans and Environmental Law Protections.