News & Commentary

California Becomes 10th State to Limit Lawn and Garden Neonic Uses

September 19, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaLucas Rhoads

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an NRDC-sponsored bill to limit certain non-agricultural neonic uses while paving the way for additional restrictions. 

A Climate Week to Advance Urgent Change

September 18, 2023 Expert BlogInternational, United States, New York CityManish Bapna

As the hottest summer on record draws to a close, the next several months could determine whether the world rises to the moment—or blows past irreversible tipping points.

Water Is Life—from Standing Rock to Oaxaca’s Mixtecan Highlands

September 18, 2023 PerspectivesMexico, West, South DakotaElybeth Sofia Alcantar

A geographer sees a familiar pattern of government-backed energy projects devastating Indigenous communities and violating tribal sovereignty.  

How Missing Water System Boundaries Affect Our Communities

September 15, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaSusan Lee

The lack of public water system boundary information in the United States puts public health at risk.

From Dams to DAPL, the Army Corps’ Culture of Disdain for Indigenous Communities Must End

September 13, 2023 PerspectivesUnited States, MidwestTroy Pretends Eagle

The prophesied “Seventh Generation” is here—demanding justice for tribes and protecting what they have left. 

Time for U.S. to Kick the Habit of Offshore Drilling

September 13, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesValerie Cleland

The Biden administration prepares a new five-year plan to lease ocean areas to fossil fuel companies for profit, and business as usual is not an option. Let's look at how we got here.

Antibiotic Use Remains Far Too Intensive in U.S. Livestock

September 11, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesDavid Wallinga, MD

By contrast, falling rates of medical use suggest more effective stewardship.

Revamping the Animal Drug User Fee Act Should Not Override Public Health

September 8, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesDavid Wallinga, MD

Senate leaders face expiration of the Animal Drug User Fee Act later this month. In their rush to get a reauthorized ADUFA passed, urgently needed provisions to protect the public must not be left behind.

Time for New York City to Act on Extreme Heat

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

The September heat wave now enveloping New York is a reminder that the time has arrived for officials in the nation’s largest city to further protect its residents from the dangers of extreme heat.

NOAA Fails to Protect Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

September 6, 2023 Expert BlogMassachusetts, EastSarah Chasis

Stronger protection of national marine sanctuaries will help thousands of species better adapt to what the future has in store. The agency is obligated to act.

A Resource for Energy-Burdened Communities

September 6, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesMaria Correa

Energy burden has disproportionately impacted low-income communities of color for decades. NRDC is actively working to bring justice to these communities through this mapping tool.

204 Groups Call for No New Offshore Oil and Gas Leases

September 6, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Zanagee Artis

The Biden Administration’s Five-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program is expected this month. It’s an opportunity for bold leadership on climate.

Why Coastal Access Is an Environmental Justice Issue

August 31, 2023 ExplainerUnited StatesMardi Fuller

Beach access has long been shaped by multiple systemic injustices. It’s time to change that.

Strategies for Equitable Implementation of EPA's GGRF

August 31, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesAdam Kent

NRDC and University of New Hampshire's Center for Impact Finance release a series of sector-specific strategy guides and webinars exploring how EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) can deliver a more equitable clean energy transition.

Washington State Acts on Snake River Restoration

August 30, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, WashingtonGiulia C.S. Good Stefani

If the federal government proposes a pathway to comprehensive Snake River restoration, we will all benefit from the important planning and progress underway in Washington State.

Funding the Government for FY2024, Part 3: The Senate to the Rescue?

August 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Kyle T. Jones

In part 3, I examine the more respectable work of the Senate and conclude with potential next steps.

Funding the Government for FY2024, Part 2: Calamity in the House

August 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Kyle T. Jones

In part 2, I review the shoddy work of the House of Representatives.

Chicago’s Historic Environmental Justice HUD Settlement

August 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, ChicagoGina Ramirez

HUD reached a first-of-its-kind settlement agreement with the city of Chicago and three Southeast Side environmental justice organizations in May 2023.

Funding the Government for FY2024, Part 1: The State of Play

August 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Kyle T. Jones

In part 1, I summarize the overarching state of the federal appropriations process right now.

Automakers Try to Dodge Their EV Commitments

August 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesKathy Harris

Despite claims to support electric vehicles, automakers are attempting to thwart new federal standards that would accelerate the transition to clean transportation.