News & Commentary

Meet the activists and NRDC staff propelling change, read our expert analysis, and learn about the latest challenges and solutions to advancing a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Latest News

Stay on top of the latest research, policy updates, publication releases, and environmental news. 

Explainer

Get a breakdown of complex climate, public health, nature, and equity topics to inform your activism.

Dispatch

Read about activists tackling climate justice and other environmental causes in their communities and beyond.

Perspectives

Discover intersectional viewpoints from activists and artists on the environmental issues of the moment.

NRDC in Action

Find out how NRDC protects people and the planet by learning about some of our key fights.

Expert Blogs

Hear from our policy advocates, scientists, and litigators about the challenges and solutions for building a healthier and more just world.

New Mexico's Hydrogen Hub Needs Climate Guardrails

Expert BlogNew MexicoNoah Long, Rachel Fakhry, Jacqueline Ennis

New Mexico's hydrogen hub effort must be accompanied by a more comprehensive climate legislation package, which is New Mexico’s best chance to cut emissions and promote long-term economic stability, as well as policy guardrails to mitigate the risks of hydrogen…

Community Resilience for All

Expert BlogChicago, IllinoisMarissa Ramirez

Latinos Progresando is one of the first community organizations to go all-electric in the Chicago Area. With a small amount of funds to cover the energy assessment, upgrades not only reduced energy costs, but allowed the building to fully electrify…

The Unsung Hero of Illinois’ Climate Law: Energy Efficiency

Expert BlogIllinoisLaura Goldberg

Illinois just passed a new, nation-leading climate law called the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), making Illinois the first Midwest state to have legislation that completely phases out fossil fuels in the power sector. This NRDC blog delves into…

PennEast Gas Pipeline Cancelled by Developers

Expert BlogNew York, New Jersey, Delaware, PennsylvaniaSahana Rao

Development of the PennEast Pipeline has been put on hold! This fracked gas pipeline would be disastrous for the Delaware River Basin and would exacerbate the climate crisis—here’s how we can stop the pipeline permanently.

Illinois Passes Nation-Leading, Equitable Climate Bill

Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey

Illinois has passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (SB2408) into law, redefining the possible and positioning the state as a national leader on equitable climate action.

Peoria Welcomes Electric Transit Buses ElBae and Friends

Expert BlogIllinois, PeoriaAlyssa Brown, Selena Kyle

The Greater Peoria Mass Transit District, also known as CityLink, is celebrating the launch of a new all-electric bus it purchased with a $1.23 million grant from the Edwards Settlement Fund. The bus will join two identical models CityLink purchased…

Celebrating Year One of the Food Matters Regional Initiative

Expert BlogChicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Madison, Ohio, Baltimore, Jersey City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, North Carolina, Memphis, OrlandoMadeline Keating, Darby Hoover

A year after the launch of the Food Matters Regional Initiative, we are pleased to report considerable progress and accomplishments from the 15 regional initiative participants.

Saint Paul Prioritizes People, Not Parking Spaces

Expert BlogMinnesota, St. PaulZak Accuardi

Saint Paul has taken an ambitious and important step toward meeting its climate and equity goals, passing two new ordinances—one eliminating parking minimums, and the other introducing rules that prioritize safer, healthier, low-carbon transportation options in new development projects.

NRDC Sets Region Specific Water Targets for Each Office

Expert BlogUnited States, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Bozeman, Beijing, San Francisco, Santa MonicaMaria McCain

NRDC has seen a steady decline in total water usage institution-wide and has taken steps to advance water stewardship.

Climate Change Is Already Hurting Illinois. We Need to Act.

Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey

Climate change is hurting us here and now in Illinois. Our state has the best chance in a generation to take ambitious action on climate change, but the window is closing. We need to act now to pass equitable climate…

Indy Passes Benchmarking Policy to Address Climate

Expert BlogIndiana, IndianapolisEmily Barkdoll

Indianapolis City Council passed Proposal 185, a Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance which is a key priority in realizing Mayor Joe Hogsett’s commitment to making the city carbon neutral by 2050.

Power Outages in New Mexico: Why Now and How to Stay Safe

Expert BlogNew MexicoNoah Long

Hot days and climate-fueled disasters are the times we need reliable power the most, yet all too often, that’s when we experience blackouts. Keep reading to learn about why New Mexico is experiencing blackouts, how to prepare and protect your…

New Mexico Heat Waves: Why, Where, and How to Stay Safe

Expert BlogNew MexicoNoah Long, Juanita Constible

Heat waves are on the rise, and they’re especially dangerous for outdoor workers, people without adequate air conditioning, and the elderly. Keep reading to learn more about the connections between climate change and heat waves, what you can do to…

2021 New Mexico Wildfires: When, Why, and How to Stay Safe

Expert BlogNew MexicoDr. Vijay Limaye, Noah Long

More frequent and intense wildfires in New Mexico are a clear sign that the climate crisis is here. Keep reading to learn more about how climate change is fueling stronger wildfires across New Mexico, what you can do to keep…

Nurses Wanted in a City Long Plagued by Coal Plant Pollution

DispatchPeoriaMaudlyne Ihejirika
Through efforts to train a more diverse pool of nurses and create family-sustaining careers, workforce leaders in Peoria, Illinois, are jump-starting their economy and addressing the inequities of the past.

The Unlikely Takedown of Keystone XL

NRDC in ActionNebraska, South Dakota, Canada, MontanaCourtney Lindwall
The notorious tar sands pipeline was a lightning rod in the fight against climate change and the seemingly unstoppable oil industry. NRDC advocates were part of a broad coalition that helped stop Keystone XL—for good.