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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Soil Erosion 101

GuideKeith Mulvihill

The loss of topsoil to wind, rain, and other forces is a natural process, but when intensified by human activity, it can have negative environmental, societal, and economic impacts.

Industrial Agriculture 101

GuideUnited StatesNRDC

Giant farms—whether growing crops or animals—often rely heavily on chemicals and produce waste that pollutes the water and air. As a result, the system we’ve designed to feed the planet also takes a serious toll on its health.

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.

Renewable Energy: The Clean Facts

GuideUnited StatesLora Shinn
Wind and solar are powering a clean energy revolution. Here’s what you need to know about renewables and how you can help make an impact at home.

What Are the Solutions to Climate Change?

GuideUnited States, InternationalJeff Turrentine
Some solutions are big and will require billions in investment. Some are small and free. All are achievable.

Wind Energy

GuideUnited StatesShelia Hu

The facts and advantages of wind energy—and why we’re turning to turbines to power our clean energy future.

Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know

GuideUnited States, InternationalMelissa Denchak
Our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas are drowning in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. Here’s why―and what you can do to help.

Biodiversity 101

GuideInternational, United StatesCourtney Lindwall

How do we define and measure biodiversity—and just why is it so important?

Dirty Water Rule Case Documents

Legal FilingsUnited States
These are some of the documents associated with District of Massachusetts: Conservation Law Foundation et al. v. EPA et al.—our case against the Dirty Water Rule.

Race to 100% Clean

OverviewUnited StatesSophia Ptacek, Amanda Levin
U.S. states, municipalities, utilities, and corporations have made significant progress toward a fossil-free future by advancing energy efficiency and clean energy. In fact, 1 in 3 people in the United States now live in a state or city transitioning to…

Revolution Now

OverviewUnited States
Clean, low-cost energy is transforming the U.S. economy.

Cost of Building Power Plants in Your State

OverviewUnited States
Use the levelized cost of electricity tool to explore the cost of building and operating a new power plant in your state using different technologies.

Promote Clean Energy in Latin America

OverviewChile, Colombia, Costa Rica, MexicoCarolina Herrera, Amanda Maxwell
NRDC experts are working with local leaders to reduce their nations’ dependence on dirty and unreliable energy sources by using public policy, innovative technologies, and finance solutions.