News & Commentary

New York Governments Collaborate to Tackle Environmental Injustice

May 22, 2023 Expert BlogMount Vernon, New YorkSahana Rao

A three-way partnership between the City of Mount Vernon, Westchester County, and the State of New York makes headway towards correcting the city's sewer crisis

NY Bills to Ban Harmful PFAS Chemicals & Protect Our Health

May 12, 2023 Expert BlogAlbanyKate Donovan

New York shows promise to ban toxic PFAS chemicals from consumer products to protect communities.

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. 

EPA’s Chance Is NOW to Finally Fix the Broken Lead & Copper Rule

February 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, Michigan, InternationalErik D. Olson

Americans across political lines support action to fix lead in drinking water—and here’s how it can be done.

Will New York Squander Its Opportunity for a Just Transition?

February 15, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkChristopher Casey

New York’s clean energy transition is threatened by state laws that perpetuate, promote, and subsidize fossil gas use.

New Yorkers Highlight Opportunities to Grow SNAP Incentives

February 14, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkSahana Rao, Margaret Brown, Sara Imperiale

SNAP incentives play an essential role in addressing challenges around fresh, healthy food affordability and access, provide much needed markets for local farmers, and drive local economic development.

2023 Environmental Opportunities for New York State

February 2, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkIsabel Friedman, Rich Schrader

Following the environmental successes in 2022, we've outlined several legislative opportunities.

Advocates Swarm Against Neurotoxic Neonic Pesticides

February 1, 2023 Expert BlogNew York, AlbanyDaniel Raichel

With evidence of a steadily worsening neonic problem, New York must pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act.

Overview of New York's Environmental Victories of 2022

January 17, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkRich Schrader, Isabel Friedman

New York had myriad legislative successes for the planet and our communities.

Hochul Signs Law Directing Manufacturers to Weave NYS Carpet Recycling Program

December 30, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkEric A. Goldstein

Manufacturers will soon be required to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of carpets sold throughout the state.

Big News: New York Approves Net Zero Climate Plan!

December 23, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkSamantha Wilt, Christopher Casey

The state released an ambitious and comprehensive “Scoping Plan” for implementing its landmark Climate Law.

Electrify to Fight Crazy Fuel Prices and Climate Change

December 22, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkYeh-Tang Huang, Samantha Wilt

New Yorkers should electrify their homes and cars this winter to fight crazy fuel prices, climate change, and air pollution.

Time for Governor Hochul to Sign the Lawn Mower Rebate Bill

December 20, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkRich Schrader

This bill will create a rebate program for residents and companies changing from gasoline-driven mowers and leaf blowers to electric-battery driven ones.

Equitable Building Decarbonization Across the Country: 2022

December 14, 2022 Expert BlogCalifornia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, OregonCaroline Keicher, Joe O'Brien-Applegate

Policies and programs aimed at new construction and existing buildings continue to gain traction as communities and elected officials realize the feasibility and benefits of ambitious and equity-centered action.

Energy Efficiency: Key to Affordable Energy in Michigan

October 5, 2022 Expert BlogMichigan, MidwestLaura Goldberg, Valeria Rincon, Derrell E. Slaughter

Today, October 5, marks Energy Efficiency Day, an important day to reflect on the many benefits energy efficiency provides year-round. 

Addressing Benton Harbor’s Lead Water Crisis Took a Village—and Years

August 9, 2022 DispatchBenton HarborKyler Sumter

As in Flint, Michigan, severe lead contamination in Benton Harbor illustrates the obstacles environmental justice communities face, and why the fight for stronger federal protections continues.

Curbside Composting Legislation on Launchpad in NYC Council

August 4, 2022 Expert BlogNew York CityEric A. Goldstein

Momentum is building for New York City to lock in a citywide curbside food scraps and yard waste composting collection program beginning as early as January 2023.

Environmental Wins Abound in NY’s 2022 Legislative Session

July 14, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkMarisa Guerrero, Rich Schrader

Read our recap of the environmental wins that passed in New York State's 2022 legislative session. With the tools to prevent climate catastrophe being dismantled at the federal level, this kind of bold action at the state level is more…

Mount Vernon: Where Environmental Injustice Became a Sewage Nightmare

June 27, 2022 NRDC in ActionNew YorkNicole Greenfield

For decades, residents of this majority-Black suburb of New York City have been dealing with a noxious infrastructure crisis with little recourse. Finally, they’re getting some relief.