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.

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.

Constructing Change with Building Energy Codes in India

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra, Prima Madan

By 2030, India will have added nearly one billion square meters of new commercial floor space--more than the land area of New York City and Washington D.C combined. Building smart from the start is a real opportunity to reduce emissions…

In Chicago, Safe Water Is Still No Guarantee

PerspectivesChicagoKeith Mulvihill
“There are so many lead service lines in Chicago, but people aren’t talking about it,” says advocate Cheryl Watson. Now she and other frontline residents are changing the conversation.

All Eyes on India’s Plan for the Kigali Amendment

Expert BlogIndia, InternationalSameer Kwatra, Prima Madan

As parties to the Montreal Protocol are gathering virtually for the second part of the Open-Ended Working Group meeting this week, India is in the spotlight. Although India is already taking action on climate friendly cooling, it is now one…

Safer Drinking Water in Schools: NY Leg. Votes for Our Kids

Expert BlogNew YorkJoan Leary Matthews

The New York State Legislature passed a bill (S2122-A / A160-B) in the closing days of this legislative session to require more stringent measures to reduce lead in drinking water in schools. This is a huge victory for kids!

NJ Extends Utility Shutoff Moratorium Through End of Year

Expert BlogNew JerseyLarry Levine

NJ extends shutoff protection, through 2021, to millions at risk of losing water, electric, and gas service. A necessary step, while the state works to secure financial support for families that fell behind on utility bills during the COVID-19 emergency.

Hey New York, We Can Save a Lot of $ and GHG Right Now!

Expert BlogNew YorkSamantha Wilt

There is a critical bill awaiting action in the New York State Legislature that will significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for decades to come, and save New Yorkers billions of dollars on their utility bills.

Smart RGGI Investments Can Lower Electricity Bills in PA

Expert BlogPennsylvaniaMark Szybist

Investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) can help lower electricity bills for Pennsylvanians, as well as improve public health, our climate, and Pennsylvania’s economy.

Coping with Extreme Heat in the time of COVID-19

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra

As COVID-19 cases soar to over 23 million, India’s healthcare infrastructure is being stretched to the brink. Parts of India are also fighting extreme summer heat. Extreme heat is not merely an inconvenience; it is a major global health threat…

PA Bill Would Block Local Efforts to Clean Up Buildings

Expert BlogPennsylvaniaMark Szybist

After an extra dark, long, COVID winter, the trees are finally in bloom and the birds are singing. Unfortunately, it’s also the season when bills that would stifle Pennsylvania’s transition to a brighter clean energy future are popping up in…

A New Customer Bill of Rights: Affordable Utility Services

Expert BlogIllinois, United StatesDeron Lovaas, Larry Levine
The vital need for uninterrupted utility service was evident before the coronavirus pandemic, but the COVID-19 public health emergency has reinforced the essential nature of utility service and the threats of energy and water poverty.

Brief Filed in Lawsuit to Protect Delaware River from PCBs

Expert BlogNew Jersey, PennsylvaniaMarisa Guerrero, Julia Jonas-Day
Water quality in the Delaware River is under threat of PCB chemical pollution from a proposed liquefied natural gas export terminal. To protect the river, NRDC filed an amicus brief in a federal lawsuit challenging the facility's dredging and construction…

Chicago Lays Out New Green Recovery Priorities on COVID-19

Expert BlogChicago, IllinoisStefan Schaffer
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a series of environmental priorities aligned with a “Green Recovery,” a significant step toward reducing the city’s reliance on fossil fuels and creating more equitable economic opportunities in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

How Cities Are Centering Equity in Benchmarking Policies

Expert BlogDenver, Colorado, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seattle, WashingtonCaroline Keicher
A new resource from the City Energy Project—Incorporating Equity into Energy Benchmarking Requirements: Guidance for Policy and Program Practitioners—helps cities understand the opportunity to leverage benchmarking and transparency policies to address racial and social equity.