News & Commentary

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.

California Walks Away from Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Safe Drinking Water

July 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaCorinne Bell

The federal government has dedicated $15 billion to removing lead from our drinking water systems, but California is leaving funds on the table.

Organic Needs a Boost in the Farm Bill

July 12, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, California, Iowa, Washington, D.C.Allison Johnson

Our public investments in organic food production have not kept pace with the organic sector’s growth – and that’s a missed opportunity for domestic economic development. The Opportunities in Organic Act would help U.S. farms meet consumer demand by reducing…

Equitable Rate Reform FAQ

June 30, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaMohit Chhabra, Sylvie Ashford

Improving how we pay for shared electric system costs in California

Connecting Youth to Nature Supports Equity and Climate Change Goals

June 29, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaChris Clark

Helping youth overcome barriers and connect to blue spaces supports current equity goals and lays the foundation for a bright future in the climate movement

The Proposed Colorado River Deal: A Short-Term Band-Aid for a Long-Term Problem

May 23, 2023 Expert BlogWest, California, Arizona, Nevada, MexicoDr. Mark Gold

The Colorado River conservation proposal from Arizona, California, and Nevada reduces diversions by 1 million acre feet a year. Is this enough to make river management sustainable?

California ISO Approves $7.3 Billion Investment in Transmission

May 22, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaKelsie Gomanie, Peter Miller

Ambitious investment to boost transmission in support of clean energy is approved by the California Independent System Operator.

The Farm Bill Needs Opportunities in Organic

May 11, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, Vermont, CaliforniaAllison Johnson

The Opportunities in Organic Act will put organic in reach for more producers and consumers.

State Leadership Required to Bolster the Actions of CA Cities and Tackle Pollution from Buildings

May 2, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaMerrian Borgeson, Julia de Lamare

While the 9th Circuit Court ruling threatens local government action to cut pollution from gas appliances, California policy makers have several opportunities this legislative session to reinforce that local leaders are far from alone in the important work to get…

California Accelerates its Fight Against Freight Pollution

April 28, 2023 Expert BlogSacramento, CaliforniaHeather Kryczka, Guillermo A. Ortiz, Patricio Portillo

California’s Climate Whiplash

April 17, 2023 ExplainerCaliforniaNicole Greenfield

The state broke snowfall records after three of its driest years ever. Now floods wreak havoc. These swings are the new normal—and they’re very hard to manage.

Reforming CA's Electric Rates for Decarbonization and Equity

April 14, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaSylvie Ashford, Mohit Chhabra

NRDC and The Utility Reform Network submitted an electric rate design proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission to promote equity and encourage beneficial electrification. This is the first stage in a regulatory process to implement income-based fixed charges.

The Lower Klamath River Will Soon Flow Freely Again

March 21, 2023 DispatchCalifornia, WestNicole Greenfield

Sparking hope for the West’s rivers and beyond, a decades-long battle leads to the world’s biggest dam removal project.

CA Electric Rates Should Support Equity and Climate Goals

February 17, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaSylvie Ashford, Mohit Chhabra

The California Public Utilities Commission has started a process to better align electric rates with the state’s climate and equity goals.

MPAs Work, Let’s Make Them Work for Everyone

February 16, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaAnupa Asokan

If California is to remain a leader in marine protection, we as advocates, scientists, and state agencies must adapt our perspectives on who values our ocean and its resources.

New Program Will Help Ensure Reliable Electricity in the West

February 16, 2023 Expert BlogCanada, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, WestKelsie Gomanie

The Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP) is designed to provide benefits for customers, utilities, and the environment.

A ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ Card for Stealing the Delta's Water

February 15, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

It’s time for the federal government to once again intervene to protect the Bay-Delta before it’s too late.

A Once-Thriving Black-Owned Beach Is Returned to Its Rightful Owners

February 10, 2023 DispatchLos AngelesCourtney Lindwall

The victory at California’s Bruce’s Beach, improperly seized 100 years ago, has reignited the conversation around land restitution for Black Americans.

How California’s Water Rights System Gouges You and Me

February 6, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaKate Poole

It's time for California’s water managers to reform this antiquated system and prioritize water for human health and safety and for the shared environment over water for farms.