News & Commentary

What Are Heat Pump Air Conditioners?

August 25, 2023 ExplainerUnited StatesAlejandra Mejia Cunningham, Alex Hillbrand

They’re way more efficient and cost-effective than standard ACs. Even better, they double as carbon-slashing heating systems.

Court Finds That Southeast Market Transmission Scheme Protects Monopolies

August 24, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesCaroline Reiser

A federal court's rejection of the Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM) marks a victory for consumers in the U.S. South.

Colorado makes Buildings Cleaner, More Livable

August 24, 2023 Expert BlogColoradoAlejandra Mejia Cunningham, Claire Lang-Ree

With a new Building Performance Standard policy, Colorado is leading the nation with clean, healthy buildings.

CARB Must Reform LCFS Program

August 23, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaKiki Velez

Will CARB listen to the community voices calling for change to the LCFS Program?

What’s the Most Energy-Efficient Water Heater?

August 22, 2023 ExplainerInternational, United StatesPatrick Rogers

The new generation of eco-friendly heat pump water heaters will reduce your home’s emissions while also shrinking your utility bills.

NOAA’s Proposed Seafood Rule: Too Weak to Improve Conditions

August 22, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesRebecca Ramirez, Sandy Aylesworth

NOAA’s Proposed Rule excludes protections for species at high-risk of illegal fishing & fails to help address human rights violations in the seafood industry.

Uranium Mining Protections Needed Across the West

August 22, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesGeoffrey H. Fettus

The Biden administration needs to protect communities and water supplies across the West from the dangers of uranium mining.

Partnering with Beavers to Adapt to Climate Change

August 22, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, WestAmy McNamara

Beavers and their habitat increase ecosystem health and help people and wildlife adapt to a warmer planet.

The Environmental Justice Movement

August 22, 2023 ExplainerUnited States, InternationalRenee Skelton, Vernice Miller, Courtney Lindwall

Environmental justice is an important part of the struggle to improve and maintain a clean and healthful environment, especially for communities of color who have been forced to live, work, and play closest to sources of pollution.

At Long Last, the Vision of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition Is Realized

August 21, 2023 Expert BlogArizonaBobby McEnaney

The designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument is not only extremely popular but its protections are long overdue.

Breathing Easy: Truckers’ Health and the Rise of Zero-Emission Trucks

August 18, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaGuillermo A. Ortiz

Truck drivers face a hidden health crisis due to diesel exhaust emissions. Zero-emission trucks can safeguard drivers’ well-being while bringing positive changes to the industry and the planet.

Another Court Victory for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

August 18, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Lucas Rhoads

A court sided with NRDC in its latest lawsuit to protect the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, paving the way for critical habitat protections. 

The Canal: Underserved Community Organizes for Climate Justice

August 18, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaJocelyn Rojas

Below the hills of Marin County, residents in the shoreline Canal district build toward climate resilience through community-led sea level rise adaptation.

From Highways to Healthy Communities

August 17, 2023 Expert BlogFresno, Los Angeles, CaliforniaZak Accuardi

Following the Federal-Aid Highway Act's signing in 1956, California fully built out its interstate and state highway system, expanding mobility access for car-owners, stimulating economic development, and creating thousands of jobs. But these benefits came with unacceptable and avoidable costs.

CDFA Soil Biodiversity Report: A Path to Protecting Our Living Soils

August 17, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Dr. Daniel Rath, Arohi Sharma

Soil biodiversity is both vital to our farms and under threat, and a new California report outlines paths forward for protecting it.

Marine Life: The Casualties of Offshore Drilling

August 17, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesZanagee Artis

The Biden Administration can protect marine ecosystems, and the Alaska and Gulf communities that rely on them, by offering no new offshore oil and gas leases.

IRA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: A Game-Changing Finance Program

August 16, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesAdam Kent, Jessica Russo

EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is set to catalyze billions in clean energy projects across the US, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities

A Trailblazer for Tribal Sovereignty

August 16, 2023 NRDC in ActionUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

NRDC Board member John Echohawk, a member of the Pawnee Nation, has devoted his career to asserting the legal and civil rights of Native Americans.

Impact of Chicago’s Environmental Justice Executive Order

August 15, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisGina Ramirez

The executive order is the start of a new stage of work to enact community-led policy reforms in Chicago.

Americans Want Sustainable Transportation Options, Not More Highways

August 15, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesMende Yangden

Americans prefer sustainable transportation over highways. To deliver, Buttigieg and Governors must repair roads and invest in mobility choices and safety.