News & Commentary

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

Dispatch

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

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Expert Blogs

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America’s Failing Drinking Water System

ExplainerUnited States, Buffalo, Houston, Puerto Rico, California, FlintNicole Greenfield

First, Flint, Michigan; then, Jackson, Mississippi. Communities around the country wonder if their water quality problems will lead to the next national crisis.

New York City: Replace Lead Drinking Water Pipes

Expert BlogNew York City, United StatesJoan Leary Matthews
One in five New Yorkers may be drinking lead-contaminated water. The New York City Council needs to replace all lead pipes within 10 years, at no cost to residents.

To Lead on Climate, New York State Should Aim High on Clean Industry

Expert BlogUnited States, New YorkIan Wells
The federal government is rolling out programs to support deployment of emerging technologies that can dramatically reduce emissions from industrial manufacturing. New York should seize the opportunity to clean up its industrial base, attract new industrial investment, and become a…

NY and NJ: Centers of Action on Low Carbon Concrete Buying

Expert BlogNew York, New York City, New Jersey, EastSasha Stashwick

This has been a breakout year for policies aimed at reducing embodied carbon in the built environment, with Buy Clean and other public procurement initiatives emerging as among the most critical platforms for decarbonizing heavy industry. 

Environmental Wins Abound in NY’s 2022 Legislative Session

Expert BlogNew YorkMarisa Guerrero, Rich Schrader

Read our recap of the environmental wins that passed in New York State's 2022 legislative session. With the tools to prevent climate catastrophe being dismantled at the federal level, this kind of bold action at the state level is more…

China’s Top Industries Can Peak Collective Emissions in 2025

Expert BlogChinaJake Schmidt
Joint research by NRDC and Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning (CAEP) finds that China’s top coal-consuming sectors—power, steel, cement, and coal-chemicals—can collectively peak both coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in 2025.

Gov Hochul Signs Bill for Safer Drinking Water in Schools

Expert BlogNew YorkJoan Leary Matthews
On December 22, 2021, Governor Hochul signed a bill (S2122-A/A-160-B) that would improve New York State’s program to reduce lead in drinking water in public schools. The bill had passed the State Legislature unanimously.

New Yorkers—Vote Yes for Clean Air and Water!

Expert BlogNew YorkCorinne Bell, Joan Leary Matthews

On November 2nd, New Yorkers can lead a new wave of state environmental rights amendments if they decide that the state should officially recognize everyone’s right to clean air and water.

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.