News & Commentary

Trailblazing Bill Would Make NYC an Efficiency Champion

December 3, 2018 Expert BlogNew York CityDonna De Costanzo

At Least 82 Percent of New York Public Schools Have a Lead Problem

November 15, 2018 DispatchNew York, New York CityNicole Greenfield

The state now requires its public schools to test their drinking water for lead. But few districts have made it clear how they’re addressing the troubles at their taps.

Finally, a Farewell to Foam Coffee Cups and Clamshells in NYC

October 18, 2018 Expert BlogNew York CityEric A. Goldstein

A New York State appeals court has affirmed a lower court ruling, upholding New York City’s ban on polystyrene food and beverage containers and delivering a victory to all who care about reducing street litter and waterway pollution in the…

New York City Is Finally Cleaning Up Its Commercial Garbage Industry

October 17, 2018 DispatchNew York CityNicole Greenfield

A new waste equity law aims to remedy a decades-long injustice that has turned certain outer-borough neighborhoods into de facto dumping grounds.

When Art Mimics Highway Signage

October 9, 2018 PerspectivesNew York City, United StatesCourtney Lindwall

Caution: Climate change ahead.

Making Art and Environmental Activism One and the Same

October 5, 2018 NRDC in ActionNew York, Illinois, ChicagoNicole Greenfield

Director of art partnerships Elizabeth Corr is the visionary behind NRDC’s artist-in-residence program, its museum collaborations, and its mission to fuse art and advocacy.

This Is Not Your Grandfather’s Birding Club

August 29, 2018 DispatchNew York, New York CityKeith Mulvihill

A passion for women’s and LGBTQ rights is required in Molly Adams’s Feminist Bird Club; birding expertise is not.

Steps New York Must Take to Meet its Energy Efficiency Goals

July 17, 2018 Expert BlogNew YorkSneha Ayyagari, Jackson Morris

NRDC, along with a coalition of environmental advocates and energy efficiency advocates, submitted comments urging the state to fill in the gaps needed to reach its efficiency target in an equitable and effective way.

How Can I Fix Mold and Lead Paint Issues in My House on a Small Budget?

July 9, 2018 ExplainerUnited States, New York City

Both problems pose significant health risks, but many people grappling with them can’t afford major renovations—and can’t move out. NRDC attorney Albert Huang shows us the range of solutions to consider.

NYS Report: Significant Risks to AIM Pipeline

June 27, 2018 Expert BlogNew YorkRob Friedman

Inside NYC’s Public Housing, Mold and Neglect Are a Dangerous Combo

June 25, 2018 DispatchNew York CityNicole Greenfield

The New York City Housing Authority has failed to comply with court orders to remedy unhealthy living conditions. But tenants and advocates refuse to let the nation’s biggest residential landlord off the hook.

National Identity and Wildlife Vividly Collide in This Street Art

June 19, 2018 PerspectivesNew York City, United StatesPatrick Rogers

For South African artist Sonny, biodiversity loss cuts “To the Bone.”

Michael Bloomberg Wants to Help Cities Keep the Promise of the Paris Agreement

June 1, 2018 Expert BlogNew York CityRhea Suh

The former New York City mayor’s American Cities Climate Challenge is a $70 million effort that will help 20 of the nation’s biggest cities achieve their climate goals.

In Upstate New York, a Summer of Climate Change Art

May 22, 2018 PerspectivesNew York, United StatesPatrick Rogers

The Storm King Art Center hosts an exhibition exploring the many implications of an environment in transition.

Cuomo Must Protect NY Tap Water from Toxic PFOA Chemicals

May 22, 2018 Expert BlogNew YorkKimberly Ong

The state has the power to protect New Yorkers from these dangerous chemicals in our drinking water when EPA will not.

Strong NY Efficiency Goal? Check. Time for Follow Through

May 2, 2018 Expert BlogNew YorkMiles Farmer, Sneha Ayyagari

Energy efficiency is essential to meeting New York’s climate goals and will bring many benefits to New Yorkers, including lowering energy bills, creating local clean energy jobs and protecting public health. Now, the Public Service Commission (PSC), NY’s utility regulator…

The Impact a Wisconsin LCD Plant May Have on the Great Lakes Is Not Crystal Clear

April 23, 2018 DispatchWisconsinSusan Cosier

We know Foxconn wants to take water from Lake Michigan, but what might it leave behind?

We Need an Equitable Energy Efficiency Focus in New York

April 13, 2018 Expert BlogNew YorkSneha Ayyagari, Pamela Rivera

A robust and sustainable program would increase energy affordability, improve public health, and create jobs for all New Yorkers including environmental and climate justice communities and low and moderate income households.

New Analysis: Strong NY Efficiency Target Will Save Billions

April 2, 2018 Expert BlogNew YorkSneha Ayyagari, Jackson Morris

New Yorkers could save more than $7 billion on their energy bills while avoiding 15 million tons of carbon dioxide pollution within seven years if Gov. Andrew Cuomo sets a strong energy efficiency target for the state, according to a…

"The Last Three" Bids a Sad Farewell to Rhinos on the Brink of Extinction

March 28, 2018 PerspectivesNew York City, United StatesPatrick Rogers

There were three northern white rhinos left when Australian artists Gillie and Marc Schattner unveiled their monument in New York City. Now there are just two.