News & Commentary

Solar Helps Keep the ACs Humming in Texas

July 21, 2022 Expert BlogTexasJohn Moore

In a month that has seen Texas sizzle under record-breaking heat, solar, and wind power have been key to helping keeping the lights on—and air conditioners humming.

Solving Problems—Not Pointing Fingers—in Texas

July 13, 2022 Expert BlogTexasChristy Walsh

Blaming any one power source is a mistake. We can’t make any one source of power foolproof, but we can make a grid that’s nimble, resilient, and reliable.

Court Finds Port of L.A. in Violation of California Environmental Law

July 8, 2022 Expert BlogLos Angeles, ChinaDavid Pettit

A judge has decided that the port put the profits of its tenant, China Shipping, above of the health of harbor workers and local residents.

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.

Promoting Provincial Coal Power Transition Pathways in China

February 25, 2022 Expert BlogChinaAlvin Lin

New research by NRDC and the Peking University (PKU) Institute of Energy sheds light on the critical role that Chinese provinces can play in phasing out coal power and meeting national targets for carbon peaking and neutrality. 

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.

The Texas Storm That Proved the Need for Grid Investments

February 9, 2022 Expert BlogTexas, United StatesChristy Walsh

It has been a year since Winter Storm Uri left millions of people without power. The United States cannot wait any longer to invest in its aging transmission 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.

Supporting the Green Transition of China's Financial System

January 24, 2022 Expert BlogChinaAlfonso Pating

China’s Top Industries Can Peak Collective Emissions in 2025

January 18, 2022 Expert BlogChinaJake Schmidt

Joint research by NRDC and Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning (CAEP) finds that China’s top coal-consuming sectors—power, steel, cement, and coal-chemicals—can collectively peak both coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in 2025.

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.

How to Stop a Highway

November 19, 2021 DispatchHouston, Texas, United StatesTim Vanderpool

Houston activists fuel a growing movement to increasingly center environmental justice in infrastructure and protect urban neighborhoods from endlessly expanding road projects.

Despite Climate Dangers, Offshore Leasing Continues in Gulf

November 17, 2021 Expert BlogUnited States, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, AlabamaValerie Cleland, Lauren Kubiak

This morning, the Biden administration held the largest offshore oil and gas lease sale in U.S. history. Though the Biden administration has been bold on climate in other ways, this latest action is profoundly disappointing.

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.

Sustainable Finance: Key Theme for the US-China Cooperation

October 27, 2021 Expert BlogChina, United StatesAlfonso Pating, Sarah Dougherty

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.