News & Commentary

Illinois Must Invest in Transportation Options for All

June 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisSamantha Henningson, J.C. Kibbey

The infusion of $10 billion in federal funds presents an opportunity to either double down on a dirty, unfair status quo—or choose a new transportation future.

Midwest states need a modern grid to supercharge clean energy goals

June 15, 2023 Expert BlogMinnesota, Midwest, Illinois, MichiganMeghan Hassett

Midwest states are already leading on clean energy, but achieving their goals depends on the power grid's readiness. We need the electricity system to catch up.

Building Synergies for a Women-led Clean Energy Transition in India

June 14, 2023 Expert BlogNew DelhiDr. Vyoma Jha

On World Environment Day, a dialogue to discuss pathways for a more gender balanced clean energy transition in India.

Major NYC Environmental Advance: City Council to Pass Universal Organics Collection Law

June 7, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New York CityEric A. Goldstein

New York City Council is poised to pass a law that would mandate organics collection.

RGGI States Learning and Sharing On Climate and Equity

June 6, 2023 Expert BlogEast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, VirginiaJackson Morris

A new report finds that the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative delivers on jobs, emissions reduction, and economic benefits—and provides a framework to address equity in the future.

Pollinators Notch Big Wins in Minnesota

May 26, 2023 Expert BlogSt. PaulLucas Rhoads

In a historic 2023 session, Minnesota reined in pesticide use, increased pollinator habitat, and built momentum toward additional protections. 

A Blueprint for Advanced Industrial Manufacturing in New York

May 23, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New YorkIan Wells

New York can lead the nation in low-carbon industrial manufacturing. Here is how.

Community Science Is Changing How People Can Fight Pollution

May 23, 2023 PerspectivesHouston, Texas, St. Louis, Missouri, Chicago, IllinoisCourtney Lindwall

Grassroots groups are collecting their own pollution data to increase accountability and demand environmental justice.

New Buildings in NY to Be Electric, but the Job Is Not Done

May 22, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkLauren Urbanek

New York's All-Electric Building Act makes it the first state to promote efficient electrification of new construction.

Illinois Needs to Address Transportation Pollution—Not Widen I-55

May 15, 2023 Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoMeghan Hassett, J.C. Kibbey

Illinois has a transportation pollution problem. Expanding I-55 would only worsen it, putting vulnerable communities at risk.

Under “Food Apartheid,” Urban Farms Are More Important Than Ever

April 28, 2023 DispatchUnited States, Indiana, IndianapolisJeff Turrentine

But BIPOC urban farmers continue to face unique challenges—including inequitable access to land and loans.

Army Corps' NY/NJ Storm Surge Barrier Project Must Protect Communities on Their Terms

April 17, 2023 Expert BlogNew York City, New Jersey, New YorkSahana Rao, Isabel Friedman, Anna Weber

The U.S. Army Corps' latest storm surge barrier proposal for New York and New Jersey is still missing meaningful community participation and a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation.

Leveling the Playing Field Toward an Equitable Clean Freight Trucks Transition

April 11, 2023 Expert BlogChicago, San Diego, San Jose (California)Sarah Elkotbeid

Our climate and health crises are so vast and complex, we have to change the way we tackle our problems to move the needle. The Delivering Zero Emissions Communities (DZEC) clean truck accelerator program is exploring new models.

A Trojan Horse That Would Subvert Climate Justice in New York

April 5, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkChristopher Casey

Senate Bill S6030 is a greenhouse gas accounting boondoggle.

Clean Cars Can Bring Over $145 Billion in Benefits to New York

April 3, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkYeh-Tang Huang

A new study shows that the Advanced Clean Cars rule can bring over $145 billion in benefits to New York. 

Communities First: Equity and Justice in the Just Transition

March 29, 2023 Expert BlogPeoria, United StatesClaudia Blanco Nuñez, Josh Axelrod

Without actions promoting equity and justice throughout the process, the renewable energy transition will fail to earn the trust of frontline communities.

SPP Must Rework Rules That Penalize Wind and Solar Power

March 28, 2023 Expert BlogMidwest, United StatesCaroline Reiser, Natalie McIntire

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) rejection of Southwest Power Pool's (SPP) proposal gives SPP a new opportunity to create an accreditation process that does not discriminate against renewable resources.

To Lead on Climate, New York State Should Aim High on Clean Industry

March 21, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New YorkIan Wells

The federal government is rolling out programs to support deployment of emerging technologies that can dramatically reduce emissions from industrial manufacturing. New York should seize the opportunity to clean up its industrial base, attract new industrial investment, and become a…

"Natural" Gas Is Expensive and Dangerous. We Can Do Better.

February 18, 2023 Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey

Large gas utilities in Illinois are pushing for a historically large rate increase. Now is the time to make the switch to cleaner home appliances.

Proposed Highway Expansion Will Undercut New York Landmark Climate Law

February 17, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkMark Izeman, Isabel Friedman

A state proposal to spend $1 billion to expand a 47-mile stretch of Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan Counties runs counter to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.