News & Commentary

Renewables and Storage Hold Their Own in the Texas Heat Dome

July 5, 2023 Expert BlogTexasJohn Moore

No fossil fuels, no problem? Texas investments in wind and solar pay off, generating record-breaking renewable power to meet all-time high electricity demand during nearly 10-day heat dome—despite fossil fuel plant failures.

How New Mexico Can Move Forward on Climate and a Just Transition

June 21, 2023 Expert BlogNew MexicoNoah Long, Alexis Mena

The bottom line is that, without significant new action, the state will not meet its targets to cut emissions and will not protect New Mexican communities from the clear, present, and increasing consequences of climate change.

Want to Save the Planet? Save the Bus

June 7, 2023 Expert BlogCalifornia, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose (California)Zak Accuardi

California's leaders have an opportunity to lead on clean transportation by prioritizing public transit—but the bus is leaving the station soon. 

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.

Clean Cars Yield $95 Billion in Benefits for Coloradans

May 18, 2023 Expert BlogColoradoYeh-Tang Huang

A new study shows that the Colorado Clean Car program can bring over $95 billion in benefits to the state. 

Colorado's Win for Clean Trucks

May 5, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, ColoradoClaire Lang-Ree

Colorado voted to adopt historic standards to promote clean trucks in the state, which will reduce harmful air pollution from trucks and buses. It's time for other Western states to move forward with these safeguards.

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.

In Defense of Healthy Streets and Good Transit

April 17, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaCarter Rubin

MOVE Culver City has delivered safer, healthier and more sustainable streets for all. 

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.

Leveling the Playing Field Toward an Equitable Clean Freight Trucks Transition

April 11, 2023 Expert BlogChicago, San Diego, San Jose (California)Sarah Elkotbeid

Our climate and health crises are so vast and complex, we have to change the way we tackle our problems to move the needle. The Delivering Zero Emissions Communities (DZEC) clean truck accelerator program is exploring new models.

It’s Time to Clean the California Transportation Budget

February 17, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaZak Accuardi, Miles Muller

California's leaders must prioritize safe, equitable, zero-emissions mobility choices in this year's state budget. Here's how.

To Prevent More Wildfires, New Mexico Needs Climate Action

February 16, 2023 Expert BlogNew MexicoClaire Lang-Ree

These wildfires were a blazing warning sign about our changing climate we must not ignore.

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.

Colorado’s Opportunity for Cleaner Cars

February 16, 2023 Expert BlogColoradoClaire Lang-Ree, Kathy Harris, Alana Miller

The state can lead by adopting the full Advanced Clean Cars II rule and ensuring all Coloradans have the freedom to choose quality clean vehicles.

This Is Not Your Father’s Automobile Industry

February 15, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaDavid Doniger

Seven automakers just filed a remarkable brief defending California’s leadership vehicle emissions standards in federal court.

Climate Whiplash – California Flooding During Drought

January 13, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

While this year is off to a good start in terms of water supply, sadly it’s too early to declare that the drought is over.

It's Time for Clean Vehicles in New Mexico

January 12, 2023 Expert BlogNew MexicoClaire Lang-Ree

New Mexico could see public health and economic benefits if the state adopts the Advanced Clean Truck rule, the Heavy-Duty NOx Omnibus rules, and the Advanced Clean Cars II rule.

Westside Bus and Bike Projects Are a Win for Mobility and Climate

January 10, 2023 Expert BlogCalifornia, Los AngelesCarter Rubin

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is working to create a full-time dedicated bus lane and continuous protected bike lane on Venice Boulevard, an important east-west corridor.