News & Commentary

Leveling the Playing Field Toward an Equitable Clean Freight Trucks Transition

April 11, 2023 Expert BlogChicago, San Diego, San Jose (California)Sarah Elkotbeid

Our climate and health crises are so vast and complex, we have to change the way we tackle our problems to move the needle. The Delivering Zero Emissions Communities (DZEC) clean truck accelerator program is exploring new models.

Is This the End of California’s Rivers?

April 10, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

Documentary film River's End explores the threats to California's rivers and fisheries, and the people fighting to save them.

Colorado River Carbon Bomb: Utah's Uinta Railway Project

April 6, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, UtahJosh Axelrod

Backers of a proposed crude-by-rail project in northeastern Utah—which would unleash a carbon bomb potentially larger than the controversial Willow Project—want taxpayer support to the tune of $2 billion.

Clean Cars Can Bring Over $145 Billion in Benefits to New York

April 3, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkYeh-Tang Huang

A new study shows that the Advanced Clean Cars rule can bring over $145 billion in benefits to New York. 

Meeting America’s Conservation Goals

March 30, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesAlison Chase

America needs a tracking tool to encourage nature protection and access.

A Biden Administration To-Do List on Land Conservation

March 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesHelen O'Shea

Challenging times call for a new way of looking at the management of our public lands. The moment is ripe for a bold conservation ethic.

EPA Must Act to Limit Deadly Soot Air Pollution

March 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. Vijay Limaye, John Walke

EPA must take action to ensure that clean and healthy air is a reality for all.

My Journey Through the (Un)safe Water Looking-Glass

March 28, 2023 Expert BlogPhiladelphiaLarry Levine

Latest drinking water crisis in Philadelphia hits close to home.

Water Crisis in Philly Highlights Our Broken National System

March 27, 2023 Expert BlogPhiladelphia, Jackson, Ohio, United StatesErik D. Olson

An industrial chemical spill upstream of the city’s water intakes is poised to contaminate the water supply. If you feel like you’ve seen this movie before, it’s because you have.

Riparian Forests: How California Farmers Can Protect Waterways

March 22, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaArohi Sharma

California can work with growers to scale up riparian forest buffers along farm and rangelands to help sequester carbon, protect waterways, and improve biodiversity.

Let’s Protect More Wetlands with FEMA Funds

March 22, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesBecky Hammer

NRDC’s new report underscores the importance of wetlands to the health of our planet, its people, and its wildlife. 

Wetlands Are Imperiled—But the Clean Water Act Can Protect Them

March 22, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesJon Devine

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers need to use the full measure of their authority under the law to prevent wetland loss.

Establishing a National Healthy Riverscapes Initiative

March 22, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesAmy McNamara

NRDC is advocating for policies to protect and restore wetlands, increase public investment in nature-based solutions, and strengthen our natural infrastructure.

IPCC Report Leaves No More Room for Climate Denial in Logging

March 21, 2023 Expert BlogCanada, United States, InternationalJennifer Skene

Industrial logging is a significant driver of global climate change. Ignoring its emissions is a dangerous new form of climate denial.

The Lower Klamath River Will Soon Flow Freely Again

March 21, 2023 DispatchCalifornia, WestNicole Greenfield

Sparking hope for the West’s rivers and beyond, a decades-long battle leads to the world’s biggest dam removal project.

EPA’s Chance Is NOW to Finally Fix the Broken Lead & Copper Rule

February 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, Michigan, InternationalErik D. Olson

Americans across political lines support action to fix lead in drinking water—and here’s how it can be done.

"Natural" Gas Is Expensive and Dangerous. We Can Do Better.

February 18, 2023 Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey

Large gas utilities in Illinois are pushing for a historically large rate increase. Now is the time to make the switch to cleaner home appliances.

Mining for Limestone on Chicago’s Southeast Side? Residents Gear Up for a Fight (Again).

February 17, 2023 DispatchIllinois, ChicagoSusan Cosier

A proposal to build an underground facility on a contaminated lot is yet another reason the city needs to address the cumulative impacts of industry on communities.

Illinois Should Lead on Getting the Lead Out of Our Water

February 17, 2023 Expert BlogIllinoisChakena D. Perry

Governor Pritzker’s speech missed an opportunity to outline a plan to protect Illinois children.

Fresh Water Through Lead Pipes

February 17, 2023 Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoGina Ramirez

Though Chicago is known as "the Fresh Coast," for some Chicagoans, the water that flows through their pipes doesn't have the same reputation.