News & Commentary

The proposed CA building code is a big step forward—but the opportunity to replace ACs with two-way heat pumps upon burnout is a massive missed opportunity.

Just in time for spring, we’re seeing movement in California to curtail harmful and unnecessary uses of neonicotinoid insecticides, or “neonics.” 

State funding for an expanded library of pop-up fishing gear will dramatically increase access for fishers and support critical testing efforts.

Equitable building decarbonization works to resolve mistakes of the past and creates a way to move forward to a livable planet.

California’s actions in 2023 can guide other jurisdictions looking to transition to healthy, clean, and efficient buildings. And what's next for 2024!

Proposed regs encourage new AC installs to be heat pumps, enabling customers to access heating and cooling in one clean appliance.

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

By passing a bill to rein in non-agricultural uses of bee-killing neonics, California can build on a good year for pollinator protections. 

California has made strides in reducing emissions, spurred by the increasingly devastating impacts of climate disruption communities across the globe.

The California Assembly  passed two bills that would help address widespread contamination of the state’s environment with pesticides like neurotoxic neonics.

Environmental issues to watch in Sacramento

While the 9th Circuit Court ruling threatens local government action to cut pollution from gas appliances, California policy makers have several opportunities this legislative session to reinforce that local leaders are far from alone in the important work to get…

Only 10 percent of HVAC installations in California receive a permit—resulting in higher energy bills, climate emissions, and health and safety risks in homes. The state legislature can act now by passing SB 795 (Stern) to improve permit compliance.

NRDC has sued the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for its failure to regulate crop seeds treated with pesticides. These "treated seed' uses are major sources of widespread pesticide contamination, and pose threats to pollinators, other wildlife, and people.