Data, Reports & Resources

NRDC is a leader and trusted source in environmental policy and research. 

From reports to issue briefs, we ensure accountability through peer review led by our Science Office, which provides data and scientific analysis that help shape and guide NRDC’s policies and positions. We also offer a range of other resources, such as 101 guides and consumer-focused scorecards to increase access to knowledge about how everyone can be a catalyst for change. 

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A plastic cup among a pile of wet leaves and branches on the ground

Single-Use Plastics 101

GuideUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall
Here’s everything you need to know about the most ubiquitous (and avoidable) kind of plastic waste: the kind made to be tossed in mere minutes.
A pipe sits atop dirt next to a building

Will Funds for Water Infrastructure Flow Fairly?

ReportUnited StatesBecky Hammer, Erik D. Olson
These report cards grade all 50 states on water funding equity.
A view of the cross-section of a cut water pipe

Getting the Lead Out: Removing Lead Pipes Would Yield Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in Health Benefits

Issue BriefUnited StatesErik D. Olson
Removing lead service lines could save the United States an estimated $786 billion from avoided health impacts over the next 35 years.

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Newark Safe Drinking Water Case Documents

Legal FilingsNew Jersey, Newark
In 2018, alarmed by high levels of lead in Newark’s drinking water, the Newark Education Workers (NEW) Caucus and NRDC filed a citizen suit. Browse some of the documents related to the case.

Fighting for Safe Drinking Water in Newark

OverviewUnited States, Newark, New Jersey
While Newark has made progress to address dangerous lead, the problem continues nationwide, with millions of lead pipes still delivering water to people’s homes.

Water Webinars 2020: Sharing Experiences Across the Americas

OverviewChile, Mexico, United States, CaliforniaAmanda Maxwell, Ed Osann, Tracy Quinn, Corinne Bell, Becky Hammer, Claire O'Connor, Joan Leary Matthews
NRDC and local partners are organizing a series of webinars about ensuring that more people and ecosystems are able to access clean water.

Get the Lead Out of Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Centers

OverviewUnited StatesJoan Leary Matthews, Kristi Pullen Fedinick, Mae Wu, Erik D. Olson
NRDC has developed model state legislation that would require schools and child care centers to install filters on drinking water taps, conduct lead testing, and remediate problems.

Watered Down Justice

ReportUnited StatesKristi Pullen Fedinick
While the Safe Drinking Water Act guarantees all Americans access to clean, drinkable water, it hasn’t worked out that way in practice.

Industrial Agriculture 101

GuideUnited StatesNRDC

Giant farms—whether growing crops or animals—often rely heavily on chemicals and produce waste that pollutes the water and air. As a result, the system we’ve designed to feed the planet also takes a serious toll on its health.

Toxic Drinking Water: The PFAS Contamination Crisis

Fact SheetUnited StatesDr. Anna Reade
Despite the known health risks of PFAS, no enforceable national drinking water standards have been set. We cannot wait for the federal government to respond. To address the extraordinary health threat posed to people across the country from widespread PFAS-contaminated…

Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms 101

GuideUnited StatesMelissa Denchak, Melanie Sturm

Ugly, foul-smelling and sometimes toxic, algal blooms are becoming more common in freshwater ecosystems like rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Here’s a look at how excess algae can impact the environment—and human health.

Fracking 101

GuideTexas, Pennsylvania, New York, California, North Dakota, FloridaMelissa Denchak
Hydraulic fracturing has upended the global energy landscape and made fossil fuels big business in the United States. Mounting evidence shows that it poses serious threats to our health, environment, and climate future. Here’s a look at the fracking boom…

Incentive Schemes for Promoting Green Shipping

Issue PaperInternational, United States
Recognizing ships as major sources of air pollution, ports in various countries around the world have introduced incentive programs to encourage enhanced environmental performance from ships calling at their ports, beyond what is required by legislation and international regulations.