News & Commentary

Biden’s Clean Trucks Proposal Is Too Slow on Ditching Dirty Diesel

April 29, 2022 Latest NewsUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

Communities in high-traffic corridors need trucks to stop polluting their air—and they need it now.

Illinois Shows Us What the Road to Clean Energy Should Look Like

December 2, 2021 NRDC in ActionUnited States, IllinoisCourtney Lindwall

Here’s how a formidable clean energy coalition helped pass the most equitable climate legislation in the country—and developed a blueprint for other states to follow.

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.

Will COP26 Move Us Closer to Solving the Climate Crisis?

October 26, 2021 ExplainerInternational, United States

Leaders from across the globe will meet soon to accelerate actions to confront climate change. Here’s what to expect.

Living Among the Diesel Trucks: My Environmental Injustice Story

September 13, 2021 PerspectivesCaliforniaAndrea Guerra

To a college student who grew up surrounded by heavy truck traffic, warehouses, and commercial hubs in one of California’s most polluted communities, the push to electrify transportation is more than just urgent health policy—it’s personal.

Eight Ways Biden’s Plan Could Build Equity into Our Infrastructure

September 7, 2021 ExplainerUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

From the workplace to the streets to the kitchen, the administration’s agenda could build back better for all. Here’s how.

Sharing the Road: Safer Streets Means Safe for Everyone

June 25, 2021 ExplainerUnited States, California, Missouri, Atlanta, San Jose (California), St. Louis, GeorgiaDan Reed

As they incorporate equity into transportation planning, a number of U.S. cities are making room for bicyclists, pedestrians, scooters, and wheelchairs in every part of town.

The Electric Car Revolution Shouldn’t Leave Anyone Behind

May 27, 2021 DispatchUnited States, Missouri, St. LouisSusan Cosier

A new program in St. Louis, Missouri, is bringing EVs and charging stations to low-income neighborhoods—and turning senior and disabled residents into early adopters, one ride at a time.

Biden Pledges to Cut U.S. Carbon Emissions in Half by 2030

April 22, 2021 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

It’s urgent. It’s ambitious. But most of all, it’s totally doable.

Jennifer Granholm and Pete Buttigieg—Two Biden Cabinet Picks to Help Steer the Country Toward a Better Climate Future

December 21, 2020 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

A pair of policy wonks with a shared goal of creating jobs while cutting carbon pollution: That sounds pretty good after the last four years.

A Champion for Equitable and Sustainable Infrastructure

December 3, 2020 NRDC in ActionLos Angeles, PhiladelphiaShelia Hu

Stephanie Gidigbi Jenkins is pushing for public policy solutions that address social equity and climate justice while strengthening access to reliable transportation, affordable housing, and open spaces.

Public Transit Just Helped Save America. Now America Needs to Return the Favor.

July 2, 2020 PerspectivesUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

The Moving Forward Act could put more than $100 billion into our ailing bus, subway, and train infrastructure—promoting equity and strengthening public safety along the way.

Free Bus Service Is the Hot New Thing in Transit

March 3, 2020 DispatchOlympia, WashingtonStarre Vartan

Olympia, Washington, is the latest city to roll out a fare-free bus system, with traffic congestion, equity, and the climate in mind.

Can a New Tax on Uber and Lyft Rides in Chicago Change Commuting Habits?

February 12, 2020 DispatchChicagoSusan Cosier

A surcharge on trips taken with ride-hailing services could reduce traffic, cut emissions, and help fund much-needed public transit improvements on the South and West Sides of the city.

The City Insider Proving that Mayors Can Lead on Climate

February 11, 2020 NRDC in ActionChicagoNicole Greenfield

Chris Wheat, who helped make Chicago a greener place from inside its city hall, is now helping empower city governments across the country to realize their many climate ambitions.

Denver Wants to Zoom Past Its Car-Centric Street Design

February 6, 2020 DispatchDenverLucas High

City officials see dedicated bus corridors, scooter-share programs, and protected bike lanes as key to greening their transportation network.

The Environment in 2019: Glass-Half-Full Version

December 23, 2019 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

It’s easy to get hung up on all the bad stuff that happened. But there was actually some good stuff, too!

Charlotte Is on Its Way to Becoming a Modern Transit Hub

December 11, 2019 DispatchCharlotte, North CarolinaJodi Helmer

The North Carolina city knows that as it grows, its residents will need (and want) to get out of their cars and catch the nearest bus, train, or streetcar.

The Story of a Normal Car Factory: Abandoned by Gas Guzzlers, Soon to Be Buzzing With Electric Vehicles

November 13, 2019 DispatchIllinoisSusan Cosier

In Normal, Illinois, green startup Rivian plans to produce 100,000 delivery vans for Amazon, along with hundreds of jobs.

Missoula, Montana, Proves That Tackling Car Culture Isn’t Just for Big-City Slickers

November 5, 2019 DispatchMontanaAlisa Opar

The streets are hardly choked with traffic, but this Northern Rockies locale sees plenty of other good reasons to get more of its commuters out from behind the wheel.