News & Commentary

Biggest Grid Operator Can Curb Carbon and Keep Lights On

November 8, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Amanda Levin

A new analysis finds that the nation’s largest grid operator, PJM, can keep our air conditioner and heaters running while meeting EPA’s power plant carbon pollution standards – even during the hottest and coldest weeks. What’s more, they can do…

The World Is Mobilizing Against Big Biomass

October 18, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Courtenay Lewis, Elly Pepper, Rita Frost

This week, communities around the world will highlight that the production and export of forest-based biomass threatens communities and the climate.

Climate Week Participants Should Recognize Bioenergy as a Boondoggle

September 13, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Courtenay Lewis, Elly Pepper, Matt Williams

As Climate Week NYC begins, governments and companies shouldn't be fooled by industry claims that turning carbon-storing forests into wood pellets will save us.

The Senate Must Defend the Success of DOE Clean Energy Programs

July 19, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Sangina Wright

The House’s Energy and Water bill contains harmful provisions for U.S. households, U.S. competitiveness in the global clean energy race, and our climate fight. 

Strengthen Power Plant Carbon Standards for Greater Climate Benefit

May 22, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Amanda Levin, Sophia Ahmed

Power plants have operated without accountability for their carbon emissions for too long. The proposal represents a good first step, however, the EPA should seize the opportunity to strengthen the standards in both scope and speed. This approach will help…

Public Land Grab: Senate Bill Gifts Miners Pass to Pollute

April 28, 2023 Expert BlogWest, Nevada, Idaho, United StatesJosh Axelrod

Senators Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) and Jim Risch (R-ID) have introduced legislation that makes it easier for mining companies and others to acquire rights to federal land and to be able to use them as dumping grounds and worse. The legislation…

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.

The Race to Organize Energy Markets in the Western U.S. Is On

January 13, 2023 Expert BlogArizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, WyomingKelsie Gomanie

A western regional transmission organization would spur the development of clean electricity sources and lower costs for consumers.

A $3 Billion Milestone for the Western Grid

November 16, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, WestKelsie Gomanie

After a year of record-breaking heat waves, drought, and flooding, add to that list some good news for the Western United States: The Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) is positioned to surpass $3 billion in cumulative benefits by the end…

Why Congress Must Pass the Climate Bill

July 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Manish Bapna

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is the strongest congressional climate action yet—in the moment we need it most.

The Senate’s Historic Opportunity to Lower Your Energy Bill

July 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Lauren Urbanek, Deron Lovaas

Buildings are responsible for about 40 percent of carbon emissions in the United States—but the investments in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will help to substantially reduce emissions from our buildings while lowering energy costs for consumers and improving…

Massive Clean Electricity Progress in Sight

July 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Derek Murrow, Amanda Levin, Sam Krasnow

Enacting budget reconciliation legislation will accelerate progress toward President Biden’s goal of 80 percent clean electricity by 2030.

Top Climate Elements in Senate Budget Reconciliation

July 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Derek Murrow, Amanda Levin

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will reduce greenhouse gas and other pollutants by giving people clean energy choices at low cost reduce household and business energy bills.

Bipartisan States Commit to Clean and Healthy Transportation

December 21, 2020 Expert BlogMassachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Washington, D.C.Bruce Ho

A bipartisan group of Eastern states announce an agreement to modernize transportation.

Pepco Advances Climate Action in DC

December 8, 2020 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Ben Longstreth

Local energy distribution companies like Pepco are critical to helping their customers reduce pollution and save money by supporting energy efficiency measures for their homes and businesses, helping customers switch to electric vehicles, and promoting electric space and water heating.

EPA Declines to Limit Deadly Soot Air Pollution

December 8, 2020 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Emily Davis, John Walke, Dr. Vijay Limaye

On its way out the door, the Trump Administration undermines the Clean Air Act and public health in a profound way.

Job for Day 1: Restore & Expand Efficiency Standards Program

November 17, 2020 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Kit Kennedy

When President-elect Joe Biden takes office, he’ll lead the United States in a time in which our country faces intertwined crises related to climate change, COVID-19 and its related economic effects, and racial injustice. Ambitious, cross-cutting and well-designed climate action…

A Fearless Defender for Our Future

January 6, 2020 NRDC in ActionBoston, Washington, D.C., United StatesJeff Turrentine

President and CEO Gina McCarthy started out as a public health agent in small-town Massachusetts, rose to become head of the EPA under Obama, and now guides NRDC into its next chapter.

This Is How We Stand Up to Trump

December 20, 2017 NRDC in ActionUnited States, Washington, D.C., Utah, Michigan, CaliforniaNicole Greenfield

Meet a handful of the NRDC staffers who resisted Trump’s attacks and defended our environment in 2017—and who won’t stop fighting anytime soon.