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.

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

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

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A Climate Strategy for India Scales Up

NRDC in ActionIndiaJeff Turrentine
With the formation of its affiliate in New Delhi, NRDC rises to meet the sustainability challenges of the world's fastest-growing economy.

More States Adopt Building Energy Codes in India

Expert BlogIndiaPrima Madan
In a boost for energy efficient buildings, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan adopted the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 last month. Building energy codes are effective tools to ensure energy efficiency in the construction and operation of buildings.

Virginia Gov. Youngkin Appoints Fossil Fuel Industry Stooges

Expert BlogVirginiaWalton Shepherd

The Virginia Air Pollution Control Board, designed to be run by governor-appointed citizens rather than elected officials, is specifically charged with overseeing—and reducing the dirty air impact of—the very polluters that Youngkin just tapped.  

Saint Paul Prioritizes People, Not Parking Spaces

Expert BlogMinnesota, St. PaulZak Accuardi

Saint Paul has taken an ambitious and important step toward meeting its climate and equity goals, passing two new ordinances—one eliminating parking minimums, and the other introducing rules that prioritize safer, healthier, low-carbon transportation options in new development projects.

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.

How Cities Are Centering Equity in Benchmarking Policies

Expert BlogDenver, Colorado, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seattle, WashingtonCaroline Keicher
A new resource from the City Energy Project—Incorporating Equity into Energy Benchmarking Requirements: Guidance for Policy and Program Practitioners—helps cities understand the opportunity to leverage benchmarking and transparency policies to address racial and social equity.

Opportunities to Strengthen AC Efficiency Labels in India

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra
In a rapidly warming world, climate friendly air conditioner are vital to providing essential cooling, while keeping greenhouse gas emissions and energy use low. However, a large number of ACs and refrigerators sold in the Indian market may not be…

Fighting Inequity with Solar Power

DispatchMinneapolis, St. PaulSusan Cosier
Minneapolis’s 4d program to boost energy efficiency and affordable housing in the city is kicking it up a notch.

Plans for Expanding Clean Energy in India’s Villages

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra
With pilots starting this month, Hariyali Green Village Plans, developed by NRDC and partner, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), aim to demonstrate a model to transform village energy use in India by making clean energy available and affordable while improving…

Urban Innovator

NRDC in ActionCharlotte, North Carolina, St. Petersburg, Florida, St. Paul, Minnesota, Austin, TexasKeith Mulvihill
Through her work in the buildings sector, Wendy Lee helps propel cities into a fairer and more energy-efficient future.

Defender of Energy Efficiency—and Equity

NRDC in ActionGeorgia, Detroit, Michigan, Baltimore, Maryland, Norfolk, VirginiaKeith Mulvihill
Dawone Robinson, regional director of NRDC’s Energy Efficiency for All Project, works to create opportunities for low-income communities of color to save energy and money.

Justice Warrior on the Affordable Energy Front

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.

Race to Reduce Launched to Energize Saint Paul

Expert BlogMinnesotaKatharine McCormick

Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has kicked off an energy efficiency challenge directed at the city’s largest buildings. Through the program, dubbed the “Race to Reduce,” buildings will be invited to join a cohort that will collectively strive to streamline…