Data, Reports & Resources

Soil Erosion 101

June 1, 2021 GuideKeith Mulvihill

The loss of topsoil to wind, rain, and other forces is a natural process, but when intensified by human activity, it can have negative environmental, societal, and economic impacts.

Global Warming 101

April 7, 2021 GuideUnited States, InternationalAmanda MacMillan, Jeff Turrentine

Everything you wanted to know about our changing climate but were too afraid to ask.

Testimony of Sharon Buccino Regarding How America’s Public Lands Can Help Deliver a Prosperous and Secure Future for All (PDF)

March 23, 2021 Testimony

Prepared written testimony of Sharon Buccino, NRDC’s senior director for Lands, before the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.

Statement on Confirmation of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack (PDF)

February 23, 2021 Statement

Statement from Allison Johnson, NRDC Sustainable Food Advocate, on confirmation of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Paris Climate Agreement: Everything You Need to Know

February 19, 2021 GuideInternationalMelissa Denchak

The Paris Agreement charted a new course in the effort to combat global climate change, requiring countries to make commitments and progressively strengthen them. Here’s what the accord seeks to achieve, and why our future may depend on its success.

Joint NGO 30x30 Oceans Statement (PDF)

January 12, 2021 Statement

Joint statement made to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity governments, calling for support and financial commitments to protect and conserve 30% of the global ocean.

Testimony of Mae Wu on Strengthening the Safe Drinking Water Act (PDF)

July 28, 2020 Testimony

Testimony of NRDC's Mae Wu for a hearing titled “There’s Something in the Water: Reforming Our Nation’s Drinking Water Standards,” held remotely in front of the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Composting 101

July 20, 2020 GuideUnited StatesShelia Hu

Recycling food and other organic waste into compost provides a range of environmental benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling nutrients, and mitigating the impact of droughts.

Ensuring Uniform Protections for NJ Residential Water Customers during COVID-19 (PDF)

June 10, 2020 Testimony

NRDC strongly urges the NJ legislature to establish mandatory protections for the residential customers of all water and wastewater utilities (whether publicly owned or privately owned), including a prohibition on shutoffs, interest charges, liens, and other collections activities during and...

Beach Pollution 101

May 28, 2020 GuideUnited States, InternationalShelia Hu

Litter, sewage, plastic, and other pollutants do more than just ruin the beauty of the beach. They are closing down coastal areas, destroying marine life, and making people seriously sick.

Commercial Whaling 101

May 6, 2020 GuideInternationalLauren Evans

Despite an international ban on commercial whaling since 1986, the animals are still being hunted and killed across the world’s oceans, with devastating impacts on global populations.

Petition to Revoke All Tolerances for Neonic Insecticides on Food (PDF)

May 5, 2020 Statement

NRDC submitted this petition to demand that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revoke tolerances for neonicotinoid insecticides (“neonics”) on food, which would eliminate major sources of public exposure to these neurotoxic chemicals. NRDC presents research showing that current levels of...

NRDC’s Comments to the New Jersey Senate Environment Committee in Support of Senate Bill 1016 (PDF)

April 7, 2020 Testimony

The testimony gives an overview of the impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides (“neonics”) on bees and other pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. It also summarizes research that raises concerns about the human health impacts of widespread exposure. The testimony was submitted...

Testimony of NRDC Senior Scientist Jennifer Sass in support of New Jersey Senate Bill 1016 (PDF)

February 21, 2020 Testimony

Testimony of NRDC Senior Scientist Jennifer Sass provides a summary of the human health concerns with neonicotinoid pesticides, including acute poisoning effects, chronic adverse health impacts, and evidence of developmental neurotoxicity. Neonic contamination in foods, waterways, drinking water and other...

Testimony of Arjun Krishnaswami (PDF)

February 5, 2020 Testimony

Testimony of Arjun Krishnaswami before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight and Subcommittee on Energy about “Management and Spending Challenges Within the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and...

Written Testimony to the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis (PDF)

February 5, 2020 Testimony

NRDC President and CEO Gina McCarthy testimony before the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. On Feb. 5, 2020, the committee holds a hearing titled “Creating a Climate Resilient America: Overcoming the Health Risks of the Climate Crisis.”

New York State Drinking Water Quality Council (DWQC) Testimony on PFOA/PFOS (PDF)

February 4, 2020 Testimony

NRDC provided testimony at the New York State DWQC hearing on proposed regulations for PFOA and PFOS, arguing that there is still more to be done to protect New Yorkers from the threat of such contaminants.

Industrial Agriculture 101

January 31, 2020 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.

Memorandum Assessing Burnett Oil Co. Time Zero Monitoring Report, Phase I Oil Exploration in Big Cypress National Preserve (PDF)

January 14, 2020 Statement

Memorandum prepared by Quest Ecology for NRDC to assess the monitoring of wetland and habitat damage associated with the Burnett Oil Company, Inc.’s Phase I of the Nobles Grade 3‐D Geophysical Seismic Survey in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Based...

Testimony of NRDC Senior Policy Advocate Khalil Shahyd Before the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis (PDF)

October 16, 2019 Testimony

Testimony of NRDC Senior Policy Advocate Khalil Shahyd before the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Oct. 17, 2019, hearing on “Solving the Climate Crisis: Cleaner, Stronger Buildings.”