News & Commentary

My Pursuit of Happiness in Afro-Environmentalism

August 11, 2020 PerspectivesUnited StatesZaria Howell

Not wanting to buy into the exploitations of racial capitalism, I find freedom in living with less stuff—but more nature, more time, and more joy.

A Mentor for Diversity in the Environmental Movement

August 10, 2020 DispatchChicagoStephanie Valera

Through his work with the RAY Clean Energy Diversity Fellows, Charlie Espedido is helping to change the face of the movement and create pathways for young environmental leaders of color.

Time’s Up for Trump’s DOE on Delayed Efficiency Standards

August 10, 2020 Expert BlogLauren Urbanek

The DOE has missed deadlines for reviewing standards that could save consumers at least $22 billion annually.

Chicago’s SE Siders Demand Real Transparency & Participation

August 7, 2020 Expert BlogGina Ramirez

In pre-coronavirus days, I would have never imagined that after high school graduation I’d be spending the last fleeting moments of summer taking on officials from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, who continue to fail my…

Public Utility Commissions: Swiss Army Knives of Protection

August 6, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesDeron Lovaas

With the United States in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, there’s been a significant focus on a new federal rescue package. While this is crucial, the truth is that we need every level of government to tackle this crisis…

Task Force Brings District Together to Tackle Climate Change

August 6, 2020 Expert BlogMaria Ortiz

It should be no surprise that, as the capital of our nation and the seat of the country’s representatives in Congress, Washington, D.C., has taken the lead in convening a Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Task Force that engages multiple…

To Defend NEPA, Coalition Takes Trump Administration to Court

August 6, 2020 Expert BlogNRDC

The National Environmental Policy Act enables local communities to protect their health and the environment from polluting projects.

Good News, North Carolina: $6 Million for Energy Efficiency

July 31, 2020 Expert BlogNorth CarolinaPamela Rivera

Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) project partners helped secure a settlement with Duke Energy in pending rate cases that includes a contribution of $3 million in each of the next two years (total $6) to the state’s Helping Home Fund.

Reflections from My Conversation About Racial Justice with EJ Champion Rev. Yearwood

July 31, 2020 Expert BlogGina McCarthy

Big Greens—including NRDC—must be about equity, justice, and climate, because when we break down racist systems, everyone will benefit. We are committed to making real change.

A Year Later, the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform Is More Important Than Ever

July 30, 2020 Expert BlogGina McCarthy

We’re grateful to be part of a growing group of allies working alongside one another to move toward an equitable, fair, and pollution-free future.

High-Quality Jobs Help Protect the Planet

July 29, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesLara Ettenson, Marc Boom

The coronavirus pandemic has illustrated the drastic inequities in our society, and it’s decimated the workforce across the board. More than 20 million people are unemployed, most of them Black and Latino. Losses through June exceeded 400,000 jobs across the…

Illinois’ Recovery Starts with the Clean Energy Jobs Act

July 29, 2020 Expert BlogIllinoisJ.C. Kibbey

The Clean Energy Jobs Act is an essential part of Illinois’ economic recovery. It protects public health and creates good-paying jobs, while ensuring that the people most in need of good jobs and clean air are at the front of…

From COVID-19 to Climate: Lessons for Climate Justice

July 29, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesKhalil Shahyd

The COVID-19 pandemic is exposing deep inequalities in race and economic status, and the inadequacy of the nation’s social safety nets. Still, the massive social disruption caused by the pandemic offers important lessons to consider as we craft strategies for…

New Reports Show RGGI Protects Kids’ Health and Saves Money

July 29, 2020 Expert BlogEast, United StatesBruce Ho

Two new reports show the tremendous benefit of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)—a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region power sector program—and how it’s paying dividends for the climate, children’s health, and families’ finances.

House Report: Food & Ag Can Help Solve Climate Crisis

July 28, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesAllison Johnson, Lara Bryant, Darby Hoover

Now is the time to be bold with our action plans and building sustainable systems that support our communities and food systems that protect our climate. Given that food production and agriculture are major contributors to climate change, so, too…

Worker Health on the Front Lines of the Climate Crisis

July 28, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesJuanita Constible

COVID-19 is just the latest threat to essential workers, many of whom are dealing with another public health crisis: climate change.

Doing What’s Right at the National Bison Range

July 27, 2020 Expert BlogWestAmy McNamara

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes seek to manage the bison they conserved over 100 years ago. It's time to make that happen.

Advancing Park Equity in Los Angeles and Beyond

July 27, 2020 Expert BlogLos AngelesDamon Nagami

Experts discuss how they fight against systems of power that have decided who does—and does not—get to have access to parks, open spaces, and nature.

At 59 Million Tons, Our E-Waste Problem Is Getting Out of Control

July 24, 2020 PerspectivesUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

Every year, we blithely discard billions of phones, laptops, TVs, and other electronics that can end up poisoning communities around the world.

House Climate Plan Calls for Clean Energy Homes & Buildings

July 23, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesLauren Urbanek, Pierre Delforge

A groundbreaking Congressional report sets a bold vision to zeroing out emissions.