Media Center

Report: California Legislation Can Cut Carbon From Building Materials

September 13, 2023 Press ReleaseSan Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – The carbon emissions associated with materials used in the built environment, referred to as “embodied carbon,” are estimated to contribute up to 11% of all global energy-related carbon emissions.1 According to a new report from sustainable development…

Governor Newsom and CA Legislature Agree on Path to Clean, Reliable Energy

September 1, 2023 Press ReleaseSacramento

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California state legislature have announced an agreement to protect the reliability of California's energy grid amid the state's transition to clean energy. The bill centers the procurement of clean electricity, expedition of electric infrastructure projects, strengthening…

California Legislature Strengthens Infrastructure Trailer Bill Package to Protect Communities and the Environment

June 27, 2023 Press ReleaseSacramento

California’s legislature has agreed to a significantly modified set of infrastructure trailer bills to accompany the 2023-2024 budget bills, significantly strengthening the proposed trailer bills in order to better protect communities and the environment.

NY Budget Fails to Include NY HEAT Act, But Includes All-Electric Buildings Act and EPF Funding

May 2, 2023 Press ReleaseNew York

The final New York State FY ‘24 budget has been printed and will be voted on this week. The budget will not include the NY HEAT Act, but includes the All-Electric Building Act and steady funding for the Environmental Protection…

Proposed Con Ed Settlement Advances Clean Electric System, but Hinders Transition of Gas System

February 17, 2023 Press ReleaseNew York

The New York Department of Public Service filed a Joint Proposal this week for resolving the electric and gas utility rate proceedings of Con Edison, which serves New York City and Westchester County.

Approval of Scoping Plan Paves Way to Bold Climate Action

December 19, 2022 Press ReleaseNew York

ALBANY, NY – Today New York’s Climate Action Council voted on a final iteration of the Scoping Plan containing its recommendations for implementing the state’s landmark 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The Act tasked the Council with developing…

Michigan has Potential to Reduce Emissions by Over 94%

October 3, 2022 Press ReleaseMichigan

New Report Models Actions Needed to Meet Climate Goals

NYC Climate Week Panel Focused on Climate-Friendly Buildings

September 21, 2022 Press ReleaseNew York City

NEW YORK, NY – During NYC Climate Week, dozens of New Yorkers attended “Efficiency + Electrification + Affordability: The Recipe for Equitable, Climate-friendly Buildings”. The event included an expert panel that discussed how New York State can lead the way…

NRDC Report: Stronger California Heat Stress Rule Can Guide National Worker Protections Against Deadly Heat

September 14, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As excessive heat fueled by climate change continues endangering millions of people nationwide, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) today released a report showing that improvements to California’s 17-year-old outdoor worker heat stress rule—one of the nation’s oldest…

Codes & Standards Act Heads to Governor Hochul’s Desk

June 2, 2022 Press ReleaseNew York

Last night the New York State Legislature passed the Advanced Building Codes, Appliances, and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act (S.9405/A.10439), which now goes to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for her signature.

Community Solar Bill Clears First Legislative Hurdle

April 27, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SACRAMENTO – A bill to increase access to renewable energy for more Californians, such as through community solar with storage, passed through the Assembly Utilities and Energy committee today. If passed, the bill will provide clean energy access and bill…

Governor Newsom Proposes FY 2022-23 Budget Prioritizing Climate Resilience

January 10, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom announced the administration’s proposed budget today, highlighting an ongoing public health and science-based response to the coronavirus pandemic, support for children, families, schools and vulnerable communities, and investments to improve our state’s resiliency in the face…

California Passes Nation’s First Building Code that Establishes Pollution-free Electric Heat Pumps as Baseline Technology; Leads Transition Off of Fossil Fuels in New Homes

August 11, 2021 Press ReleaseCalifornia

A majority of the state’s new homes and buildings estimated to be gas-free starting in 2023, cutting climate pollution and delivering significant air quality gains

360,000 Lead Pipes May Deliver Water to Homes in New York

July 19, 2021 Press ReleaseNew York

New York, NY – New York has 360,000 lead pipes delivering water to people’s homes statewide, the fourth highest number of any state in the nation, according to a new survey from NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). New York State has committed, although not entirely allocated, $5 billion in…

97,000 Lead Pipes May Deliver Water to Homes in Nebraska

July 15, 2021 Press ReleaseNebraska

Nebraska ranks seventh in nation with the most lead pipes per 100,000 people

Michigan Lawmakers Attempting to Prevent Local Governments from Making Energy Choices

May 25, 2021 Press ReleaseMichigan

Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill (HB 4575) that would prohibit the state’s local governments from making choices about the continued use of fossil gas in homes and buildings, limiting their options to meet their residents’ health, energy, and economic…

Governor Newsom Proposes California Comeback Plan

May 14, 2021 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom proposed his $100 billion California Comeback Plan today – the biggest economic recovery package in California history. Among other priorities, the proposal allocates financial resources to help consumers struggling with utility debt and address the…

Governor Newsom Declares Drought Emergency in Two California Counties

April 21, 2021 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a State of Emergency in Sonoma and Mendocino counties as California and much of the West face drought and near-drought conditions that threaten the economy, public health, and ecosystems. The declaration allows…

New Guide Charts Path to High-Road Clean Energy Jobs

April 13, 2021 Press ReleaseCalifornia

San Francisco — As the Biden-Harris administration looks to create good union jobs and tackle climate change at the same time, a new guide charts how cities can incorporate workforce development and equity goals into their climate action plans.

New York City to Phase-Out New Fossil Fuel Connections

January 29, 2021 Press ReleaseNew York

As part of the State of the City address, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that beginning this year, New York City will phase-out fossil fuel connections in new construction by 2030. The City will establish intermediate goals in the short-term…