News & Commentary

Poll: People Want Action on Plastics for Health and Wildlife

April 15, 2024 Expert BlogInternational, Canada, United States, Ohio, PennsylvaniaDaniel Rosenberg

New poll results show overwhelming public support for government action to address the plastic crisis, including a strong global plastics treaty.

In Planning for Climate Change, Native Americans Draw on the Past

March 11, 2024 ExplainerUnited States, CanadaTim Vanderpool

Across North America, Indigenous tribes and nations are consulting their traditional ecological knowledge to help prepare for a warming world.

Wahkohtowin Development: Creating an Indigenous Conservation Economy

October 12, 2023 Expert BlogCanadaDr. Julee Boan

Using a collaborative approach, Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree and Brunswick House First Nations are advancing a new paradigm of sustainability.

Questions Answered on Canadian Wildfires—a Public Health Threat Linked to Climate Change

June 12, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CanadaDr. Vijay Limaye

Here is some key information that may help us prepare for the future and address the fossil fuels at the root of the problem.

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.

Greater Energy Equity Ahead, in both Maryland and Virginia

May 25, 2023 Expert BlogVirginia, Maryland, Richmond (Virginia)Walton Shepherd, Lucy LaFlamme, Dawone Robinson

New state laws in MD and VA will lower spiking electric bills for those least able to afford them, through better-designed home energy efficiency improvements.

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.

Indigenous-led Collaborations Are Transforming Conservation

May 17, 2023 Expert BlogCanadaDr. Julee Boan

The pressure is immense and the clock is ticking to ensure the course correction needed to stave off the worst climate and biodiversity impacts predicted for our industrialized world. A new collective, called the Restore, Assert, Defend (or RAD) Network…

IPCC Report Leaves No More Room for Climate Denial in Logging

March 21, 2023 Expert BlogCanada, United States, InternationalJennifer Skene

Industrial logging is a significant driver of global climate change. Ignoring its emissions is a dangerous new form of climate denial.

20 Years of Resistance: Grassy Narrows' Land Defenders

January 18, 2023 Expert BlogCanadaDr. Julee Boan

Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) and allies commemorate their fight to stop the industrial logging that was taking place on their territory without their consent.

EPA, Do the Right Thing on Truck Pollution

December 14, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Missouri, Kansas City (Missouri)Patricio Portillo

If the Biden administration is going to deliver on its pledges to address climate change and environmental justice, EPA must approve the most ambitious state and federal heavy-duty vehicle standards possible.

Environmental Injustice: Cumulative Impacts in Kansas City

September 21, 2022 Expert BlogKansas, Kansas City (Kansas), Kansas City (Missouri), MissouriDr. Veena Singla

The EPA is responsible for setting environmental regulations to limit the amount of pollution industrial facilities release. This approach has been ineffective in controlling exposures because they do not take into account the cumulative impacts or toxic air contaminants.

Youngkin Still Casting About for a Viable Attack on RGGI Law

August 31, 2022 Expert BlogVirginiaWalton Shepherd

Youngkin's RGGI attack on behalf of big polluters is slowing down, but is just as cynical as ever.

Dominion's Excellent Efficiency Plan Will Lower Rates

December 23, 2021 Expert BlogVirginiaWalton Shepherd

Amid a sharp cost-of-living increase this winter, Virginia's largest energy provider brought a significant glimmer of good holiday news for its ratepayers.

For Thousands of Years, Indigenous Tribes Have Been Planting for the Future

November 30, 2021 DispatchIowa, Canada, Pennsylvania, OklahomaSusan Cosier

With yields of biodiversity and a more climate-resilient food supply, a movement is sprouting in BIPOC communities across North America to save heirloom seeds and preserve culture.

Delivering Climate Equity, One Clunky Old Heater at a Time

October 6, 2021 Expert BlogVirginiaWalton Shepherd

Fix VA law, for healthier air and lower bills for low-income families, by ditching dirty fossil fuel heaters.

The Unlikely Takedown of Keystone XL

June 29, 2021 NRDC in ActionNebraska, South Dakota, Canada, MontanaCourtney Lindwall

The notorious tar sands pipeline was a lightning rod in the fight against climate change and the seemingly unstoppable oil industry. NRDC advocates were part of a broad coalition that helped stop Keystone XL—for good.

Sharing the Road: Safer Streets Means Safe for Everyone

June 25, 2021 ExplainerUnited States, California, Missouri, Atlanta, San Jose (California), St. Louis, GeorgiaDan Reed

As they incorporate equity into transportation planning, a number of U.S. cities are making room for bicyclists, pedestrians, scooters, and wheelchairs in every part of town.

Va DEQ Takes Key State Climate Action on Superpollutants

June 24, 2021 Expert BlogVirginiaChristina Theodoridi, Walton Shepherd

The Electric Car Revolution Shouldn’t Leave Anyone Behind

May 27, 2021 DispatchUnited States, Missouri, St. LouisSusan Cosier

A new program in St. Louis, Missouri, is bringing EVs and charging stations to low-income neighborhoods—and turning senior and disabled residents into early adopters, one ride at a time.