News & Commentary

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.

CARB Must Reform LCFS Program

August 23, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaKiki Velez

Will CARB listen to the community voices calling for change to the LCFS Program?

Breathing Easy: Truckers’ Health and the Rise of Zero-Emission Trucks

August 18, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaGuillermo A. Ortiz

Truck drivers face a hidden health crisis due to diesel exhaust emissions. Zero-emission trucks can safeguard drivers’ well-being while bringing positive changes to the industry and the planet.

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.

Clean Cars Yield $44 Billion in Benefits for New Mexicans

July 18, 2023 Expert BlogNew MexicoYeh-Tang Huang, Kathy Harris, Alexis Mena

A new study shows that the Advanced Clean Cars II Program can bring $44 billion in benefits to New Mexico. 

A Full Colorado Clean Cars Brings $20 Billion in Additional Benefits

July 10, 2023 Expert BlogColoradoYeh-Tang Huang, Alana Miller, Kathy Harris

A new fact sheet shows that adopting a full Colorado Clean Cars program can bring $20 billion of health and environmental benefits to the state. 

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, with the fifth largest economy in the world, is at risk of steering public transit off a fiscal cliff. It's time for the State's leaders to take action to protect transit riders and transit jobs.

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

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.

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.

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.

States Embrace the Transition to Clean Cars

December 14, 2022 Expert BlogCalifornia, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, WashingtonKathy Harris

The federal government has made strides to help bolster the electric vehicle market, attract manufacturing, and ensure a robust charging network. But in many ways, states led the way.