News & Commentary

After Decades, Tenants Are Still Fighting NYC Public Housing for Speedy Mold Relief

September 21, 2023 DispatchNew York, New York CityNicole Greenfield

In the 1990s, they organized. In 2013, they sued. In 2023, residents continue the fight for safe homes in NYCHA developments across the city.

A Climate Week to Advance Urgent Change

September 18, 2023 Expert BlogInternational, United States, New York CityManish Bapna

As the hottest summer on record draws to a close, the next several months could determine whether the world rises to the moment—or blows past irreversible tipping points.

Water Is Life—from Standing Rock to Oaxaca’s Mixtecan Highlands

September 18, 2023 PerspectivesMexico, West, South DakotaElybeth Sofia Alcantar

A geographer sees a familiar pattern of government-backed energy projects devastating Indigenous communities and violating tribal sovereignty.  

From Dams to DAPL, the Army Corps’ Culture of Disdain for Indigenous Communities Must End

September 13, 2023 PerspectivesUnited States, MidwestTroy Pretends Eagle

The prophesied “Seventh Generation” is here—demanding justice for tribes and protecting what they have left. 

Time for New York City to Act on Extreme Heat

September 7, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New York CityEric A. Goldstein

The September heat wave now enveloping New York is a reminder that the time has arrived for officials in the nation’s largest city to further protect its residents from the dangers of extreme heat.

New York City Remains a Battleground for Illegal Ivory Trade

August 31, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New YorkIsabel Friedman, Rich Schrader

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announces new exhibit of confiscated ivory at the New York State Museum that educates the public about the harmful industry.

Chicago’s Historic Environmental Justice HUD Settlement

August 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, ChicagoGina Ramirez

HUD reached a first-of-its-kind settlement agreement with the city of Chicago and three Southeast Side environmental justice organizations in May 2023.

Joan K. Davidson: An Appreciation

August 25, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New YorkEric A. Goldstein

The longtime head of the J.M. Kaplan Fund was a visionary supporter of civic-minded advocates and a spark plug for creative environmental progress.

Impact of Chicago’s Environmental Justice Executive Order

August 15, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisGina Ramirez

The executive order is the start of a new stage of work to enact community-led policy reforms in Chicago.

General Iron Looms Over the Return to School

August 11, 2023 Expert BlogChicagoGina Ramirez

As we gear up for another school year, there's a constant worry hanging over us: the possibility of the General Iron facility starting up just across the street from George Washington High School. 

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.

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.

Organic Needs a Boost in the Farm Bill

July 12, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, California, Iowa, Washington, D.C.Allison Johnson

Our public investments in organic food production have not kept pace with the organic sector’s growth – and that’s a missed opportunity for domestic economic development. The Opportunities in Organic Act would help U.S. farms meet consumer demand by reducing…

Better Energy Options for Chicago: Clean and Affordable Buildings

July 12, 2023 Expert BlogChicago, Illinois, MidwestMeghan Hassett

A thoughtful transition toward clean and affordable buildings would help reduce high energy bills and indoor air pollution harming Chicago residents.

A Tale of Two Capacity Auctions—and Still Too Much Coal

July 10, 2023 Expert BlogMidwest, IllinoisMeghan Hassett

A capacity price spike impacted Illinoisans’ electricity bills last June. What has MISO done to prevent it from happening again? It’s a mixed bag—with too many fossil fuels inside.

The Disinvestment in Centreville Continues

July 7, 2023 Expert BlogIllinoisNatalia Ospina, Ihab Mikati

Despite years of community-led advocacy, a thorough and equitable plan to solve the flooding and sewage problems in Centreville has not yet been developed, which has led to a piecemeal approach and continued disinvestment.

Illinois Must Invest in Transportation Options for All

June 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisSamantha Henningson, J.C. Kibbey

The infusion of $10 billion in federal funds presents an opportunity to either double down on a dirty, unfair status quo—or choose a new transportation future.

Climate Justice on Juneteenth

June 16, 2023 Expert BlogNew York CityIrene Nielson, Dr. Sabrina Johnson

Honoring Juneteenth requires us to apply commitment and creativity to directing today's unprecedented federal investments toward repairing past harms.

Midwest states need a modern grid to supercharge clean energy goals

June 15, 2023 Expert BlogMinnesota, Midwest, Illinois, MichiganMeghan Hassett

Midwest states are already leading on clean energy, but achieving their goals depends on the power grid's readiness. We need the electricity system to catch up.

Landmark Neonic Bill Headed to Governor Hochul’s Desk

June 14, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkDaniel Raichel

The New York legislature passed a first-in-the-nation bill to dramatically curb the pesticides that decimate pollinators and threaten New Yorkers’ health.