News & Commentary

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.

Ohio Train Disaster Reveals Gaping Holes in Hazardous Chemical Controls

February 21, 2023 Expert BlogOhio, MidwestJennifer Sass, Erik D. Olson

The Norfolk Southern toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, was an accident waiting to happen. We need regulatory action to prevent more—or even worse—accidents from happening.

It’s Time to Stop the Unnecessary Use of Harmful Chemicals

January 31, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesAnna Reade

Governments and businesses should implement the essential-use approach to phase out known nonessential uses of chemicals of concern immediately.

White House to Announce Crucial Lead in Water Principles

January 27, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The Biden-Harris administration has committed to the goal of removing all lead service lines within 10 years.

In Colorado, Oil and PFAS Shouldn’t Mix

January 12, 2023 DispatchColoradoNicole Greenfield

We can add PFAS contamination to the list of ways the oil and gas industry is threatening Coloradans’ health. Two new laws aim to stop it—but are they enough?

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.

WHO’s PFAS Guidance May Increase Global Health Inequities

December 12, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, InternationalKatie Pelch

Although these protections are urgently needed, the draft guidance was neither health-protective nor based on the best available scientific evidence.

New Papers Provide Tools for Health Protective Action

December 6, 2022 Expert BlogUnited StatesJennifer Sass

Two recently published science policy papers that I co-authored aim to advance health protective policies and practices regarding hazardous chemicals.

The Clean Energy Future: How We Get There Matters

November 21, 2022 Expert BlogNorth Carolina, United StatesAnna Reade, Katie Pelch

A clean and sustainable energy future is needed for addressing climate change, but how we get there matters. In the midst of global efforts to clean up and eliminate the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), Chemours is doubling…

Advocates Are Sparking a Revolution in Louisiana's “Cancer Alley”

November 10, 2022 DispatchSt. James Parish, LouisianaNicole Greenfield

Residents of St. James Parish are fighting to boot harmful petrochemical plants from this majority-Black community—and hoping to usher in more sustainable industries like solar.

Recent Chemical Disasters Impel Stronger Federal Safety Regs

October 25, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, New Jersey, Louisiana, North CarolinaSahana Rao

Cal. Gov. Shuts One Door on Neonic Cuts, but Opens Another

October 20, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaLucas Rhoads

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed AB 2146, a bill that would have prohibited harmful and unnecessary non-agricultural uses of neonic pesticides. But the Governor has tasked the Department of Pesticide Regulation with a review of these home and garden…

A 22-Year Court Battle Ends with Justice for the Penobscot River

October 11, 2022 NRDC in ActionMaineNicole Greenfield

After more than a half century of toxic mercury contamination, Maine’s longest river is finally getting cleaned up—a major win for the public interest over corporate polluters.

Congress & EPA: Protect People from Toxic Plastic Pollution

October 3, 2022 Expert BlogUnited StatesDaniel Rosenberg

NRDC and 200 other organizations recently sent a letter to Congress, calling on all Senators and Representatives not to co-sponsor legislation supported by chemical industry lobbyists that would eliminate Clean Air Act protections and promote the widespread burning of plastic.

CA Is First State to Ban Toxic “Forever” PFAS in Textiles

September 30, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaAvinash Kar

Because of the size of California’s economy, the law is likely to affect the presence of PFAS in textiles far beyond state borders.