News & Commentary

Energy Efficiency and Electrification Take Center Stage in New Jersey

October 4, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New JerseyJoe O'Brien-Applegate, Eric Miller

With historic commitments from Governor Phil Murphy, backed by robust programs, New Jersey is becoming a leader in clean, efficient buildings

Hungry for Local Action in New Climate Law? Start Here

April 25, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, PhiladelphiaIrene Nielson

Cities can tap into millions but may not know about it yet.

Army Corps' NY/NJ Storm Surge Barrier Project Must Protect Communities on Their Terms

April 17, 2023 Expert BlogNew York City, New Jersey, New YorkSahana Rao, Isabel Friedman, Anna Weber

The U.S. Army Corps' latest storm surge barrier proposal for New York and New Jersey is still missing meaningful community participation and a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation.

Community Perspectives: Wasted Food in Philadelphia

November 7, 2022 Expert BlogPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaAndrea Collins, Madeline Keating

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to crafting inclusive food waste prevention messaging. Philadelphia worked with community-based organizations to run community focus groups to better understand the biggest barriers to preventing food from becoming waste in local communities.

NJ Is Ready for 100% Clean Electricity and Buildings

August 18, 2022 Expert BlogNew JerseyEric Miller, Joe O'Brien-Applegate

Clean Transportation in PA: Big Questions for 2022 (Part 3)

March 18, 2022 Expert BlogPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaRabi Abonour, Kathy Harris

Pennsylvania's transit systems are at a turning point and the state must act to support a more sustainable future.

Philadelphia Gas Utility Explores Business Diversification

December 9, 2021 Expert BlogPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability and Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), the City-owned gas utility, have released a report summarizing the findings from the Philadelphia Gas Works Business Diversification Study, an exploration of pathways for PGW, its workers, and its customers to…

On Climate, Pittsburgh Puts Its Money Where Its Goals Are

November 19, 2021 Expert BlogPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaIrene Nielson

Transforming city budgets to address climate change will be essential to meeting our climate goals, and Pittsburgh has taken a first step.

NJ Extends Utility Shutoff Moratorium Through End of Year

June 4, 2021 Expert BlogNew JerseyLarry Levine

NJ extends shutoff protection, through 2021, to millions at risk of losing water, electric, and gas service. A necessary step, while the state works to secure financial support for families that fell behind on utility bills during the COVID-19 emergency.

Smart RGGI Investments Can Lower Electricity Bills in PA

May 14, 2021 Expert BlogPennsylvania

Investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) can help lower electricity bills for Pennsylvanians, as well as improve public health, our climate, and Pennsylvania’s economy.

PA Bill Would Block Local Efforts to Clean Up Buildings

May 10, 2021 Expert BlogPennsylvania

After an extra dark, long, COVID winter, the trees are finally in bloom and the birds are singing. Unfortunately, it’s also the season when bills that would stifle Pennsylvania’s transition to a brighter clean energy future are popping up in…

Pittsburgh Poised to Thrive on Biden’s Plan

March 30, 2021 Expert BlogPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaMitchell Bernard

An equitable recovery powered by climate action means millions of well-paying jobs—with the Steel City, and other places like it, at the center of it all.

Cities Are Leading the Way: 2020 Wins & Look Ahead

December 17, 2020 Expert BlogUnited States, Charlotte, Honolulu, Pittsburgh, St. Louis

Cities made tremendous progress in their climate challenge goals throughout a difficult 2020. Now, cities are eyeing all that is possible in the new year.

A Champion for Equitable and Sustainable Infrastructure

December 3, 2020 NRDC in ActionLos Angeles, PhiladelphiaShelia Hu

Stephanie Gidigbi Jenkins is pushing for public policy solutions that address social equity and climate justice while strengthening access to reliable transportation, affordable housing, and open spaces.

Governor Wolf Says Pennsylvania Will Join RGGI. Now What?

October 11, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, Pennsylvania

Governor Wolf wants Pennsylvania to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and that's a big deal.

A Lack of Balance: Runoff and Harmful Algal Blooms

September 9, 2019 Expert BlogCalifornia, Los Angeles, New JerseyCorinne Bell

There’s a lot local agencies and regulators can do to help prevent algae blooms that threaten public health.

PA Needs CO2 Limits—and Strong Renewables Policy, Too

August 8, 2019 Expert BlogPennsylvaniaAmanda Levin

New modeling shows that Pennsylvania can remain a large electricity exporter while building a better, cleaner, and stronger economy.

Justice Warrior on the Affordable Energy Front

June 12, 2019 NRDC in ActionVirginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New YorkKaren L. Smith-Janssen

Dawone Robinson is righting the inequities that low-income communities of color face in accessing the benefits of energy efficiency—like more comfortable homes and lower energy bills, for starters.

American Cities Climate Challenge PACE Roundtable in NYC

June 5, 2019 Expert BlogGeorgia, Atlanta, Ohio, Columbus, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Texas, San Antonio

Riding a strong tailwind from recent climate and sustainability legislative successes, earlier this month, the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge brought its PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Financing Cohort to New York for an intensive, dialogue-driven Roundtable with the four…

In Philadelphia, Climate Change Can Take Your Breath Away

July 11, 2017 DispatchPhiladelphiaClara Chaisson

But plans to cut local carbon pollution might help this asthma capital shake its wheezy reputation.