News & Commentary

Meet the activists and NRDC staff propelling change, read our expert analysis, and learn about the latest challenges and solutions to advancing a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Latest News

Stay on top of the latest research, policy updates, publication releases, and environmental news. 

Explainer

Get a breakdown of complex climate, public health, nature, and equity topics to inform your activism.

Dispatch

Read about activists tackling climate justice and other environmental causes in their communities and beyond.

Perspectives

Discover intersectional viewpoints from activists and artists on the environmental issues of the moment.

NRDC in Action

Find out how NRDC protects people and the planet by learning about some of our key fights.

Expert Blogs

Hear from our policy advocates, scientists, and litigators about the challenges and solutions for building a healthier and more just world.

Viewing 1 - 20 of 72

General Iron Looms Over the Return to School

Expert BlogChicagoGina Ramirez

As we gear up for another school year, there's a constant worry hanging over us: the possibility of the General Iron facility starting up just across the street from George Washington High School. 

A Tale of Two Capacity Auctions—and Still Too Much Coal

Expert BlogMidwest, IllinoisMeghan Hassett
A capacity price spike impacted Illinoisans’ electricity bills last June. What has MISO done to prevent it from happening again? It’s a mixed bag—with too many fossil fuels inside.

Western Electricity Grid Is Entering Its Day-Ahead Market Era

Expert BlogWest, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, WashingtonKelsie Gomanie

NRDC is working with stakeholders to safeguard consumer interests and environmental protections as utilities from California to the Great Plains weigh proposals to share energy resources through an organized market.

How the American Rescue Plan Can Transform Chicago

Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoGina Ramirez
From reducing pollution burden to reducing gas bills, the Recovery Plan represents an opportunity for Chicago to reach its emissions reductions goals while improving lives.

Equitable Building Decarbonization Across the Country: 2022

Expert BlogCalifornia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, OregonCaroline Keicher, Joe O'Brien-Applegate
Policies and programs aimed at new construction and existing buildings continue to gain traction as communities and elected officials realize the feasibility and benefits of ambitious and equity-centered action.

Q&A: Chicago Advocates on Equity in Decarbonization Policies

Expert BlogIllinois, Chicago, United StatesGina Ramirez

Courtney Hanson of People for Community Recovery and Yessenia Balcazar of Southeast Environmental Task Force talked with NRDC’s Gina Ramirez about the importance of Chicago introducing equitable building decarbonization polices that benefit its communities.

New Report Finds Electric Homes Can Save Chicagoans Money

Expert BlogIllinois, Chicago, United StatesThomas Siafa Jr., Valeria Rincon

A new report finds that Chicagoans can save roughly $11,000 to $24,000 over a 20-year time period by ditching expensive gas and fully electrifying their homes.

Preserving Oregon's Economy-wide Cap on Carbon Emissions

Expert BlogOregon, California, WestRalph Cavanagh

Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission adopted the second state-level economy-wide carbon cap in the country (in December 2021), after California’s. The resulting Climate Protection Program (CPP) relies on the state’s sovereign authority to regulate environmental hazards, and on supporting authority under…

Healthier Buildings as a Climate Solution for Chicago

Expert BlogChicagoGina Ramirez, Kyler Sumter

Communities of color must have a seat at the table as we come up with standards to remove emissions from our buildings and ultimately make them healthier to live in.

The Next Chapter in the Climate Fight for Chicago

Expert BlogChicagoValeria Rincon
Chicago just released a new Climate Action Plan this week that lays out its long-term strategy for how to address some of the biggest climate challenges facing the third-largest city in the country.

Why Illinois Has a Power Supply Crunch, and How to Fix It

Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey
Market forces have driven a lot of coal power offline in the past decade—but regulatory barriers and outdated thinking by some utilities has led to missed opportunities to expand affordable clean energy resources.

Portland POEM Project Models Equitable Transportation Plans

Expert BlogPortland (Oregon), OregonElizabeth Stampe

As Americans readjust to life as our communities reopen, we’re unfortunately also seeing more traffic and tailpipe pollution. But Portland, Oregon, is looking to chart a different path forward.

NRDC Sets Region Specific Water Targets for Each Office

Expert BlogUnited States, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Bozeman, Beijing, San Francisco, Santa MonicaMaria McCain

NRDC has seen a steady decline in total water usage institution-wide and has taken steps to advance water stewardship.