Media Center

California Court Rules Kern County Oil, Gas Permitting Scheme Illegal

March 7, 2024 Press ReleaseFresno

A California appeals court ruled unanimously today that Kern County violated the law by using a flawed environmental review for its local oil and gas ordinance designed to fast-track permitting. This is the second time the court has ruled that…

Governor Newsom Stands Up to Big Oil, Protecting California Communities and Taxpayers

October 7, 2023 Press ReleaseSacramento

In a strong move to hold oil companies responsible for the economic and public health dangers of oil wells left idle and unplugged, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1167, the “Orphan Well Prevention Act,” into law. This bill, authored…

CA Department of Transportation Investments Fail to Align with State Climate Goals, New NRDC Report Finds

October 4, 2023 Press ReleaseSacramento

Analysis from Closing the Climate Investment Gap, a groundbreaking new report from NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) on California’s state transportation infrastructure investments, shows a distinct misalignment between budgetary allocations and the state’s overarching climate goals.

Asm. Carrillo and Over 100 Organizations Call on Governor Newsom to Sign AB 1167, the Orphan Well Prevention Act

September 27, 2023 Press ReleaseLos Angeles

Today, Assemblymember Carrillo and over a dozen advocates with climate, community and environmental justice organizations held a press conference to call on Governor Gavin Newsom to hold oil companies accountable by signing the Orphan Well Prevention Act, AB 1167, into law…

Orphan Wells Bill Advances One Step Closer to Governor's Desk

September 14, 2023 Press ReleaseSacramento

California’s senate has approved AB 1167, a bill a by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo called the Orphan Well Prevention Act, which NRDC and Environment California are sponsoring. The act is designed to intervene before oil wells become “orphaned” without a financially…

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…

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.

New York City Votes to “Skip the Stuff” in Take-Out Orders

January 19, 2023 Press ReleaseNew York City

NEW YORK, NY – The New York City Council voted (43-7) today in favor of the “Skip the Stuff” bill (Intro 0559), which would prohibit takeout and delivery services from providing plastic utensils, condiments, or napkins unless explicitly requested by…

NY’s New Rule Paves the Path for Clean Cars

December 28, 2022 Press ReleaseNew York

ALBANY, NY – Today, New York State became the latest state to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, which ensures that by 2035 every new car and truck sold in the state will be zero-emission. This will result in a reduction in harmful greenhouse…

California PUC Finalizes Solar Net Metering Decision

December 15, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission issued its final decision for Net Billing Tariff today, which establishes the state’s approach to solar rooftop and storage incentives and rates for the next five years.

New York City Council Holds Hearing on “Skip the Stuff” Legislation

December 12, 2022 Press ReleaseNew York City

NEW YORK — Today, the New York City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection held a public hearing on the proposed “Skip The Stuff” bill (Intro 0559), which would prohibit takeout and delivery services from providing plastic utensils, condiments…

NY Crypto Moratorium Gets Governor’s Signature

November 22, 2022 Press ReleaseNew York

ALBANY, NY – Today Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a limited, two-year moratorium on crypto mining operations in New York State. Under the new bill, the Department of Environmental Conservation will also be required to study the environmental impacts…

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 Statement on Passage of the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act SB 54

June 30, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SACRAMENTO – The California Legislature passed, and Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. NRDC supports the bill now that it prohibits counting so-called "chemical recycling" as recycling, restricts shipment of material…

Court Ruling Deems Kern County’s Oil and Gas Review Violated the Law

June 8, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

KERN COUNTY, CA — The Kern County Superior Court issued a significant ruling that declared Kern County’s environmental review of its 2021 oil and gas ordinance violated the state’s bedrock environmental protection law by failing to address serious environmental harms.

NRDC Statement on Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision

May 13, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced his May revision to the 2022-2023 budget proposal today. The proposal now goes before the legislature which must approve a final 2022-2023 California budget by June 15.

States Cleared to Curb Vehicle Pollution

March 9, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia, United States

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency today reaffirmed California’s authority to set tailpipe emissions standards to address its public health and air-quality needs, and other states’ authority to adopt and enforce those standards.

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…

NY Becomes Second State in the Nation to Reduce Plastic Waste in Hotels

December 23, 2021 Press ReleaseNew York

ALBANY, NY -- Governor Kathy Hochul made New York the second state in the nation to eliminate millions of single-use bottles in hotel rooms. Bill S543/A5082 prohibits hotels and motels with more than 50 rooms from providing single-use plastic toiletry…