News & Commentary

The Senate’s Historic Opportunity to Lower Your Energy Bill

July 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Lauren Urbanek, Deron Lovaas

Buildings are responsible for about 40 percent of carbon emissions in the United States—but the investments in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will help to substantially reduce emissions from our buildings while lowering energy costs for consumers and improving…

Why Congress Must Pass the Climate Bill

July 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Manish Bapna

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is the strongest congressional climate action yet—in the moment we need it most.

Top Climate Elements in Senate Budget Reconciliation

July 29, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Derek Murrow, Amanda Levin

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will reduce greenhouse gas and other pollutants by giving people clean energy choices at low cost reduce household and business energy bills.

FDA's New Report on Animal Antibiotics Ignores Public Health

July 13, 2022 Expert BlogWashington, D.C., United StatesDavid Wallinga, MD

Amid a decades-long concern about widespread U.S. antibiotic overuse in livestock, the FDA continues ignoring the public health need to track and make that use visible.

Congress Speaks Out Against More Offshore Leasing

July 7, 2022 Expert BlogWashington, D.C., United StatesValerie Cleland

Documenting the Attempt to Overturn Our Election

June 9, 2022 Expert BlogWashington, D.C., United StatesMitchell Bernard

The January 6 committee’s public hearings will shine a bright light on the threats to our democracy.

“Chemical Recycling” Isn’t Actually Recycling.

May 16, 2022 ExplainerGeorgia, United StatesNicole Greenfield

Companies are trying to sell communities on a toxic solution to the plastic pollution crisis. The people of Macon, Georgia, saw through it. Will others?

No Need to be Freightened of Electric Trucks

March 4, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington, New JerseyJordan Brinn, Patricio Portillo

We clarify the questions about electric truck availability, cost, and charging infrastructure, as well as concerns such as current supply chain issues.

EPA: It’s Time to Act. We need Clean Trucks Now

March 3, 2022 Expert BlogUnited States, California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, WashingtonPatricio Portillo, Heather Kryczka

Cutting tailpipe emissions and moving to zero emission vehicles can eliminate the diesel fumes causing childhood asthma, emergency room visits, and loss of life.

Saving Salmon—from One Generation of Fisherwomen to the Next

March 1, 2022 DispatchOregon, Washington, WestNicole Greenfield

Keyen Singer, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, carries on a maternal legacy of conserving salmon and preserving culture. Their efforts could soon pay off.

Portland Acts on Climate, Equity with Parking Fee

February 23, 2022 Expert BlogPortland (Oregon), OregonElizabeth Stampe, Sarah Elkotbeid

The city has passed a resolution to generate revenue by increasing parking rates to better capture the true cost of driving—to climate and communities—and use the revenue to bring greater equity to the transportation system.

Oregon Looks to “Reach” Code for Energy, Carbon Savings

February 1, 2022 Expert BlogOregonRalph Cavanagh

Senate Bill 1518, to be considered during Oregon’s “short” February 2022 legislative session, is a critical pushback against the embedded lowest common denominator aspect of building codes when it comes to energy and climate.

Climate Champs Pressure Georgia Department of Transportation

January 27, 2022 Expert BlogGeorgiaDeron Lovaas

Will the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA, P.L 117-58) perform well vis-à-vis important goals, especially tackling climate change and improving racial equity? It all depends on how it’s implemented.

Western Climate Initiative: OR & WA Add Caps to CA's AB32

January 4, 2022 Expert BlogCalifornia, Oregon, Washington, WestRalph Cavanagh

In 2021, fifteen years after California made climate history by becoming the first US state to adopt an economy-wide carbon emissions cap, Oregon and Washington completed a West Coast hat trick by becoming the second and third. Well, almost.

WA & OR Solidify West Coast Vehicle Electrification

November 30, 2021 Expert BlogWashington, OregonPatricio Portillo, Dr. Simon Mui

Adopting the Clean Trucks Program in Oregon and the Advanced Clean Trucks and Zero Emission Vehicle Programs in Washington solidifies the West Coast as one of the world’s biggest markets for electric vehicles.

Clean Truck Rules Will Benefit Southern New England

November 30, 2021 Expert BlogMassachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode IslandKathy Harris, Patricio Portillo

The states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island stand to see $12.7 billion dollars in net societal benefits, improved health and air quality, and increased investments over the next 30 years through adoption of Clean Truck Programs in their states.

Portland POEM Project Models Equitable Transportation Plans

November 1, 2021 Expert BlogPortland (Oregon), OregonElizabeth Stampe

As Americans readjust to life as our communities reopen, we’re unfortunately also seeing more traffic and tailpipe pollution. But Portland, Oregon, is looking to chart a different path forward.

Orcas Lose a Grandmother, Matriarch L47

October 15, 2021 Expert BlogWashington, OregonGiulia C.S. Good Stefani

This Saturday is Orca Recovery Day and people are coming together for some healing—and to demand action.

Biden Restores Protections for Three National Monuments

October 8, 2021 Expert BlogUnited States, Utah, MassachusettsNRDC

After Trump’s rollback attempts, Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts will no longer be up for grabs by industry.

Boston Passes Equitable Building Performance Standard

September 22, 2021 Expert BlogBoston, MassachusettsEmily Barkdoll

Becoming climate neutral by 2050 will have enormous implications for Bostonians: better air quality, reduced electricity bills, and a lower energy burden are just a few ways in which the standard will improve lives across the city.