News & Commentary

Calling New York to Break Up with Toxic PFAS this Earth Day

April 15, 2024 Expert BlogNew YorkKate Donovan

New York Legislature has a real opportunity to address upstream sources of PFAS contamination.

Poll: People Want Action on Plastics for Health and Wildlife

April 15, 2024 Expert BlogInternational, Canada, United States, Ohio, PennsylvaniaDaniel Rosenberg

New poll results show overwhelming public support for government action to address the plastic crisis, including a strong global plastics treaty.

In Planning for Climate Change, Native Americans Draw on the Past

March 11, 2024 ExplainerUnited States, CanadaTim Vanderpool

Across North America, Indigenous tribes and nations are consulting their traditional ecological knowledge to help prepare for a warming world.

NRDC’s 2024 Legislative Agenda for a Healthy and Equitable Environment in New York

March 4, 2024 Expert BlogNew York, New YorkRich Schrader, Timothy Edland

The end of 2023 brought huge wins for New York and its environment. Here are our priorities for 2024.

Waste and Plastic Reduction Is Necessary to Protect Our Health

January 24, 2024 Expert BlogAlbanyKate Donovan, Isabel Friedman

Why New York’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act is a critical step forward. 

NYC’s New Pizza Oven Rule Will Protect Neighborhood Air Quality

July 31, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New York CityEric A. Goldstein

The law will target the emissions and other air pollution that come through people’s windows from nearby pizza restaurants.

Walking the Talk: How Will Canada Halt and Reverse Biodiversity Loss?

July 19, 2023 Expert BlogCanadaDr. Julee Boan

NRDC is working with Canadian and international environmental non-governmental organizations to provide recommendations for how Canada can develop a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that aligns with its commitments to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

New York City: Replace Lead Drinking Water Pipes

July 18, 2023 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.

Questions Answered on Canadian Wildfires—a Public Health Threat Linked to Climate Change

June 12, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CanadaDr. Vijay Limaye

Here is some key information that may help us prepare for the future and address the fossil fuels at the root of the problem.

RGGI States Learning and Sharing On Climate and Equity

June 6, 2023 Expert BlogEast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, VirginiaJackson Morris

A new report finds that the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative delivers on jobs, emissions reduction, and economic benefits—and provides a framework to address equity in the future.

NY Bills to Ban Harmful PFAS Chemicals & Protect Our Health

May 12, 2023 Expert BlogAlbanyKate Donovan

New York shows promise to ban toxic PFAS chemicals from consumer products to protect communities.

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. 

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.

New York Is Exposing the Fashion Industry for What It Is: a Climate Nightmare

February 13, 2023 DispatchNew York, New York City, InternationalNicole Greenfield

The state’s Fashion Act seeks to set a new trend of holding big brands accountable for their exploitation of workers and the environment.

Hochul Signs Law Directing Manufacturers to Weave NYS Carpet Recycling Program

December 30, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkEric A. Goldstein

Manufacturers will soon be required to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of carpets sold throughout the state.

Electrify to Fight Crazy Fuel Prices and Climate Change

December 22, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkYeh-Tang Huang, Samantha Wilt

New Yorkers should electrify their homes and cars this winter to fight crazy fuel prices, climate change, and air pollution.

Time for Governor Hochul to Sign the Lawn Mower Rebate Bill

December 20, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkRich Schrader

This bill will create a rebate program for residents and companies changing from gasoline-driven mowers and leaf blowers to electric-battery driven ones.

Environmental Wins Abound in NY’s 2022 Legislative Session

July 14, 2022 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…

Mount Vernon: Where Environmental Injustice Became a Sewage Nightmare

June 27, 2022 NRDC in ActionNew YorkNicole Greenfield

For decades, residents of this majority-Black suburb of New York City have been dealing with a noxious infrastructure crisis with little recourse. Finally, they’re getting some relief.

NY Bills Would Ban Harmful PFAS in Clothes, Other Products

May 23, 2022 Expert BlogNew YorkAvinash Kar

The use of PFAS is not worth the risk of cancer, kidney, or liver damage, interference with vaccine uptake, or the myriad other serious health risks the chemicals are associated with.