News & Commentary

Caltrans Offering 1950s-Style False Hope to I-80's Challenges

January 31, 2024 Expert BlogCalifornia, SacramentoCarter Rubin

Caltrans's I-80 CEQA analysis is flawed and reflects a concerning pattern that must change for California to reach our climate, mobility and equity goals.

Proposed Hydrogen Guidance Is Strong. But Backsliding Looms.

January 12, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesRachel Fakhry, Erik Kamrath

Proposed federal rules for hydrogen production will avoid dire climate and consumer impacts. But some industry groups and policymakers aim to weaken them.

Overcoming Decarbonization Barriers in Los Angeles’s Affordable Housing

January 11, 2024 Expert BlogUnited States, Los AngelesMichele Knab Hasson, Olivia Walker, Dr. Veena Singla

Affordable housing is among the most vulnerable and underfunded of building sectors but thoughtful design and flexible financing could help provide cleaner, healthier buildings for all.

International Trade: A Policy Tool for Climate Action?

December 7, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesChristina Theodoridi, Jackie Wong

Recently introduced Democrat and Republican bills propose tariffs at the border for widely traded products with high greenhouse gas emissions intensity.

Municipal Compost Is Key for Regenerative Farms and Sustainable Cities

December 5, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. Daniel Rath, Darby Hoover

Compost is a physical reminder that soils, farms, and farmers are all part of a larger food system inextricably linked with municipalities and urban areas

What Is the Justice40 Initiative?

December 4, 2023 ExplainerUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

This Biden administration directive is the historic effort to ensure that federal climate, clean energy, and infrastructure investments reach the communities who need them most.

Congress: Protect the Clean Air Act from Plastic Polluters

November 16, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, InternationalDaniel Rosenberg, Katie Hobbs

Congress’ critical role in addressing the plastic crisis: Don't support plastic polluters' plans to remove Clean Air Act restrictions on incinerating plastic.

Groundbreaking California Law Will Create Innovative Pathways for Social Housing

November 16, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaEsther Portillo

The visionary social housing study bill that identifies pathways to 1.4 million stable, affordable homes for California’s most vulnerable residents just became law.

Social Housing: Los Angeles’s Chance to Fight the Housing Crisis

November 13, 2023 Expert BlogLos AngelesSarah Elkotbeid

The climate crisis exacerbates an already worsening housing crunch.

New Law Marks Climate Transition for California Landscapes

October 23, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaEd Osann, Linda Escalante

Irrigating ornamental turf grass at non-residential locations will be phased out, beginning in 2027.

Success of Hydrogen Hubs Requires a Step Increase in Transparency

October 19, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik Kamrath, Pete Budden

The Department of Energy should foster trust by sharing more information about the planned hubs and their impacts on the climate and local communities.

Hubs Rollout Underscores Need for Climate-aligned Policies

October 17, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesPete Budden, Rachel Fakhry

For the sake of the climate and communities, DOE and the selected hubs must redouble their focus on truly clean production and high value end-uses.

Energy Efficiency and Electrification Take Center Stage in New Jersey

October 4, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New JerseyJoe O'Brien-Applegate, Eric Miller

With historic commitments from Governor Phil Murphy, backed by robust programs, New Jersey is becoming a leader in clean, efficient buildings

Green Procurement Programs for Steel Cannot Merely Lock in the Status Quo

September 29, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesIan Wells

Low-carbon procurement programs must encourage decarbonization across the steel industry.

NRDC Stands with Striking Autoworkers

September 20, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesSam Gilchrist

NRDC is committed to supporting the UAW, and we pledge to work with the union to ensure no worker is left behind in the transition to the clean car economy.

The Issue with Tissue Fifth Edition

September 19, 2023 Expert BlogCanadaAshley Jordan

Five years in, laggards remain far behind a growing number of sustainable tissue brands.

New Report Details Strategies for Tackling Building Embodied Carbon

September 13, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaLauren Kubiak, Jaden Kielty

A new report released today from Arup in partnership with NRDC details the policies adopted and needed to reduce emissions from embodied carbon in California.

How Frontline Communities Can Take Advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act to Advance Local Priorities

September 7, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesElena Olmedo

A breakdown of some of the major opportunities available to community-based organizations and some actionable steps to get more involved in this space.

Shifting Federal Funding to Communities: ECJ Program Could Be a Historic Opportunity

September 6, 2023 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Chantelle "Ella" Mendonsa

The EPA ECJ program grants directed over $2 billion to marginalized communities to reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to respond to environmental and climate justice challenges.

A Resource for Energy-Burdened Communities

September 6, 2023 Expert BlogUnited StatesMaria Correa

Energy burden has disproportionately impacted low-income communities of color for decades. NRDC is actively working to bring justice to these communities through this mapping tool.