Media Center

DOT is Putting Transportation on the Right Track 

November 27, 2023 Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Transportation released a key rule last week that will require states to measure greenhouse gas pollution from highway systems and set targets to lower those emissions.

Biden Administration Signs Off On Low-Carbon Materials for 150 Federal Projects

November 6, 2023 Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — Today the General Services Administration (GSA) announced $2 billion in investments for clean materials in federal construction projects. This initiative advances commitments made a year ago to accelerate Buy Clean efforts within the GSA and Department of Transportation…

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…

NRDC: EPA’s Power Plant Carbon Standards Are Essential

August 8, 2023 Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is on the right path with its proposed standards to cut carbon pollution from power plants, according to comments environmental groups will submit to the agency today.

U.S. Forest Service Opens Welcome Path to Saving Mature and Old Growth Forests

April 20, 2023 Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Forest Service announced a rulemaking process on forest conservation measures, opening a much-needed door to better protecting mature forests on public lands.

EPA Moves to Cut Toxic Air Pollution from Coal Plants

April 5, 2023 Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency today proposed to strengthen its Mercury and Air Toxics Standards to cut pollution from power plants that burn coal and oil, enhancing air quality and better protecting public health. 

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…

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…

PA General Assembly Passes Flawed Tax Credit Bill

October 26, 2022 Press ReleasePennsylvania

HARRISBURG, PA - Today the General Assembly passed HB 1059, a bill that establishes and expands several state tax credits, some of which would benefit highly speculative petrochemical facilities and the fracked gas industry without regard for Pennsylvania’s environment, community…

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…

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.

Judge Rules to Include Community Group in State Lawsuit to Clean Up Chemical Manufacturing Plant

February 15, 2022 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SAN FRANCISCO – A judge ruled today that Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) can be a plaintiff-intervenor in a new lawsuit aimed at cleaning up a Bay Area chemical manufacturing plant today, brought by the California Department of Toxic…

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…

NC Energy and Equity Executive Order [NRDC Reaction]

January 7, 2022 Press ReleaseNorth Carolina

RALEIGH, NC – Governor Roy Cooper released his climate and equity executive order today, laying out how the State of North Carolina will address some of the most pressing energy and environment issues facing the state.

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…

Report: The Role of Uber and Lyft in Sustainable Cities

November 17, 2021 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SAN FRANCISCO — As office workers return to downtown areas, cities must tackle the traffic and pollution associated with Uber and Lyft, according to a new report and issue brief. Moving Forward: The Role of Transportation Networking Companies in a…

San José Carbon Neutral Resolution a Bold Step Forward

November 9, 2021 Press ReleaseSan Jose (California)

SAN JOSÉ — The San José City Council voted today to approve the Carbon Neutral by 2030 Resolution. This Resolution commits San José to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, updating the city's climate plans and resources to…

California Bill Passes to Reduce GHG Emissions from Cement

September 9, 2021 Press ReleaseCalifornia

SACRAMENTO – A bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the production of cement is headed to Governor Newsom’s desk today after passing out of the state legislature. Cement is a major source of local air pollution and California's…