News & Commentary

FERC Storage Rule a Win for a More Flexible Grid

February 20, 2018 Expert BlogJennifer Chen

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agency overseeing the competitiveness of the wholesale electricity markets and high-voltage interstate transmission grid operators, has finalized a rule that reduces barriers to electric storage resources to compete in those markets. Electric storage resources…

America’s Cities Are the Vanguard for a Sustainable Future

February 20, 2018 Expert BlogHenry Henderson

In the absence of federal leadership on climate change, America’s cities have become the vanguard of the country’s efforts to create a sustainable future.

Why Nobody Likes Trump’s Infrastructure Plan

February 16, 2018 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

For starters: It would endanger the environment, imperil water systems and other public assets . . . and then make states pay extra for it all.

Partnerships for a Resilient Planet

February 14, 2018 Expert BlogAnjali Jaiswal, Douglass Sims, Frances Beinecke

A Better Way to Encourage Efficient New Homes

February 13, 2018 Expert BlogDr. David B. Goldstein

Utilities now have a new tool to promote energy efficient new home construction. It encourages builders to approach zero net energy use in homes by focusing on the HERS Index, an efficiency rating for houses that is analogous to a…

Disaster Aid Is Part of Bi-Partisan Budget Bill

February 8, 2018 Expert BlogRob Moore

A Bi-Partisan budget bill includes some encouraging provisions that should improve rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. And it does not include two poison pills that the House had included in the Disaster Supplemental passed…

LA City Council Moves to Slash GHG Emissions from Buildings

February 7, 2018 Expert BlogMerrian Borgeson, Maria Stamas

Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest city, took a bold step toward reducing climate pollution this week when its City Council adopted an amendment aimed at making steep reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from commercial and residential buildings, including by…

California Gets It Right on Transportation—Almost

January 31, 2018 Expert BlogCarter Rubin

A sea change in California environmental law gives a leg up to sustainable transportation and land use projects, like the Expo Line in Los Angeles.

Debunking the State of the Union on Infrastructure

January 31, 2018 Expert BlogScott Slesinger

How about this for disastrous trifecta? President Trump was wrong the facts, misguided in his emphasis and avoided the real issue when he discussed infrastructure last night.

The March for Equity, the Environment, and Women Are One, Says This Advocate

January 19, 2018 NRDC in ActionFlorida, Miami, Washington, D.C.Nicole Greenfield

NRDC’s Sasha Forbes talks environmental justice, and why women are often at the helm of this work.

America Needs a Plastics Intervention. Now’s the Time.

January 12, 2018 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

China doesn’t want our plastic waste anymore. Instead of searching for another buyer, maybe some soul-searching is in order.

California Takes 5 Steps Toward Energy Equity

January 9, 2018 Expert BlogMaria Stamas, Isaac Sevier

The Energy Efficiency for All coalition marks 5 clean energy milestones that have resulted in more than $1 billion in new investment in low-income communities in California.

Cold Temps Prove Value of Electricity Grid Markets, Planning

January 4, 2018 Expert BlogJohn Moore

Much of the country is in the grip of frigid weather, which is increasing demand for electricity (but still less than during hot summer months).

An Open Letter to NYC Mayor de Blasio on Congestion Pricing

January 1, 2018 Expert BlogEric A. Goldstein

We believe the City and State should advance a congestion pricing strategy that will not only generate ongoing funds for transit, reduce congestion and curb air pollution, but also rationalize the current toll structure by lowering tolls on some city…

Spinning Records Without the Vinyl

December 19, 2017 DispatchNew York CityMelissa Denchak

Jazz pianist Fabian Almazan started Biophilia Records to make great music—and environmental change.

A Way to Move New York Forward

December 19, 2017 Expert BlogAmanda Eaken

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is set January 3 to formally unveil his agenda for 2018 and he’s almost certain to touch on the dire need to invest in the public transportation system that has long been New York City’s…

City Council to NYC Mayor: Clean Up Our Waters!

December 15, 2017 Expert BlogNew York CityLarry Levine

When It Rains, It Pours Raw Sewage into New York City’s Waterways

December 12, 2017 DispatchNew York CityClara Chaisson

The Big Apple’s combined sewer system is 150 years old—and in desperate need of improvement.

Cities Are Stepping Up to Do What's Right on Climate—and Winning

December 5, 2017 Expert BlogRhea Suh

Mayors from across North America met in Chicago to reaffirm their commitment to climate action.

How Best to Rebuild a Hurricane-Ravaged City? Listen to the Residents, Says This New Orleans Native

November 27, 2017 NRDC in ActionNew Orleans, LouisianaNicole Greenfield

Khalil Shahyd had a hand in helping his hometown recover from Katrina, and now he advocates for climate resiliency on behalf of vulnerable communities nationwide.