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.

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

October 25, 2023 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.

The Worst of the Worst: High-Priority Plastic Materials, Chemical Additives, and Products to Phase Out

October 19, 2023 Fact SheetUnited States, InternationalDr. Veena Singla

Two workers installing a battery in a vehicle in an assembly plant

Building Batteries Better: Doing the Best With Less

July 10, 2023 ReportUnited StatesJordan Brinn

Reducing the amount of mining needed through improvements in battery technology, second-life applications for vehicle batteries, and better recycling is key to reducing harms caused from battery supply chains.

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Polling on the International Plastics Treaty

April 15, 2024 PollingUnited States, Ohio, Pennsylvania

Clean Electricity in States Across the United States: The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and Carbon Pollution Standards on States’ Electricity Futures

April 5, 2024 Fact SheetGeorgia, Michigan, North Carolina, PennsylvaniaAmanda Levin, Mark Drajem

Jackson Water Crisis

January 16, 2024 Fact SheetMississippi, JacksonSarah Tallman, Kimberly Leefatt

The drinking water system in Jackson, Mississippi, has suffered from serious safety and reliability problems for decades. Despite recent attention from federal officials, including a lawsuit filed against the city of Jackson in late 2022, the water system’s problems have…

Replace Lead Drinking Water Pipes Now - Report (PDF)

July 18, 2023 Report

The New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning issued a report, No Excuses, NYC: Replace Lead Drinking Water Pipes Now , estimating that one in five New Yorkers may be drinking water transported through lead service lines. Experts agree...

Complaint Filed by NRDC and Potomac Riverkeeper Against the U.S. Navy, June 21, 2023 (PDF)

June 21, 2023 Legal filings

On June 21, 2023, NRDC and partner Potomac Riverkeeper Network filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Navy in federal district court in Maryland for testing weapons on the Potomac River without a Clean Water Act permit.

NRDC Comments on Maryland’s Proposed Workplace Heat Standards (PDF)

November 7, 2022 Comments

NRDC writes comments on behalf of more than 18,800 supporters in Maryland to express deep concern about the proposed heat stress standard released by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health on October 7, 2022.

Environmental Injustice: Communities of Color in the United States Disproportionately Lack Access to Adequate Sanitation

August 2, 2022 Fact SheetUnited States, AlabamaSarah Tallman

Despite previous calls from UN bodies to fully effectuate the human right to sanitation, the United States must do more to ensure that all residents have access to adequate sanitation.

Investigation Confirms Environmental Violations at Parchman Prison in Mississippi

September 17, 2021 OverviewUnited States, MississippiSara Imperiale, Sarah Tallman, Natalia Ospina, Marisa Guerrero, Michelle Amelia Newman

An investigation by NRDC and our partners at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reveals repeated drinking water and wastewater violations at the notorious Parchman prison in Mississippi.

Food Matters Case Studies

August 24, 2021 Case StudyBaltimore, Denver, NashvilleYvette Cabrera, Darby Hoover, Madeline Keating

NRDC and their partners’ work in Baltimore, Denver, and Nashville can help inform initiatives in other cities across the country.

Summer in the City: Improving Community Resilience to Extreme Summertime Heat in Northern Manhattan

July 20, 2021 ReportNew York CityAlbert Huang

Extreme heat vulnerability in New York City is, quite simply, an environmental injustice.

Lead Pipes Are Widespread and Used in Every State

July 8, 2021 SurveyUnited States, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Texas, MinnesotaErik D. Olson, Alexandra Stubblefield

An NRDC survey estimates that there are at least 12.8 million water pipes that are, or may be, lead, spread across the entire country. Use our map to find out about your state.

NRDC Comments on Virginia’s Proposed Rulemaking for Workplace Heat Hazards (PDF)

June 9, 2021 Comments

NRDC which has more than 24,000 supporters in Virginia, strongly supports the intent of the Safety and Health Codes Board to develop an enforceable occupational heat standard.

Newark Safe Drinking Water Case Documents

February 12, 2021 Legal filingsNew Jersey, Newark

In 2018, alarmed by high levels of lead in Newark’s drinking water, the Newark Education Workers (NEW) Caucus and NRDC filed a citizen suit. Browse some of the documents related to the case.

Fighting for Safe Drinking Water in Newark

January 26, 2021 OverviewUnited States, Newark, New Jersey

While Newark has made progress to address dangerous lead, the problem continues nationwide, with millions of lead pipes still delivering water to people’s homes.