News & Commentary

Denver’s Climate Fund to Focus on the Most Impacted

November 4, 2021 Expert BlogColorado, DenverEloisa Portillo-Morales, Alana Miller

Community Members Urge NYC to Preserve African Burial Ground

October 12, 2021 Expert BlogNew York, New York CitySahana Rao

The Flatbush African Burial Ground Coalition is fighting to protect a historic burial ground in Brooklyn, where remains of individuals of African descent were discovered. This sacred space must be safeguarded from disturbance and development—here's how you can help.

PennEast Gas Pipeline Cancelled by Developers

September 27, 2021 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.

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

June 10, 2021 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!

How Rikers Island Became a Vehicle for Justice (Once It Started Shutting Down)

May 3, 2021 DispatchNew York City, New YorkCourtney Lindwall

The Renewable Rikers plan to reimagine the site of New York City’s notorious jail complex could bring green jobs, cleaner air, and community investment to the neighborhoods most harmed by mass incarceration.

Brief Filed in Lawsuit to Protect Delaware River from PCBs

May 3, 2021 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…

Colorado’s SB 246 a Major Step Toward Healthier Homes

April 26, 2021 Expert BlogColoradoAlejandra Mejia Cunningham

Colorado Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg introduced a much-needed proposal this legislative session to help Coloradans transition to healthier homes powered by affordable, clean electricity.

How Cities Are Centering Equity in Benchmarking Policies

April 20, 2021 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.

Latinx Leaders Paving the Way for Climate Action

April 20, 2021 Expert BlogLos Angeles, Chicago, New York City, San AntonioEloisa Portillo-Morales

Cities are leading the charge on climate action—reimagining how streets can be used, passing bold climate legislation, and creating green, equitable jobs. At the core of many of these efforts are Latinx leaders, whose activism has been instrumental in paving…

Pittsburgh Poised to Thrive on Biden’s Plan

March 30, 2021 Expert BlogPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaMitchell Bernard

An equitable recovery powered by climate action means millions of well-paying jobs—with the Steel City, and other places like it, at the center of it all.

Colorado: Reduce Emissions, Increase Environmental Justice

March 30, 2021 Expert BlogColoradoAriana Gonzalez

A new bill, SB21-200, aims to translate climate goals into reality one step at a time.

Colorado Must Center Equity in Climate Action

March 25, 2021 Expert BlogColoradoAriana Gonzalez

Historical & present-day environmental racism threatens the health, economic prosperity, and well-being of marginalized communities across Colorado. That's why we're proud to have signed on to a letter calling for equity to be centered in climate action.

Major Victory in Coalition Push for Renewable Rikers Island

February 11, 2021 Expert BlogNew York CitySara Imperiale, Eric A. Goldstein

The New York City Council passed two bills that, when signed into law, will mark the beginning of the end for the notorious Rikers Island jail complex and transform the island into a model of green infrastructure and jobs.

Taking Care of the Food Workers Who Take Care of Us

February 10, 2021 NRDC in ActionColoradoNicole Greenfield

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the inequities faced by food- and farmworkers who put their health in danger just by coming to work each day. NRDC is pushing to change that.

Cities Are Leading the Way: 2020 Wins & Look Ahead

December 17, 2020 Expert BlogUnited States, Charlotte, Honolulu, Pittsburgh, St. LouisJay Orfield, Kimi Narita

Cities made tremendous progress in their climate challenge goals throughout a difficult 2020. Now, cities are eyeing all that is possible in the new year.

NYC Parks Commissioner Pushing Out Community Composters

December 15, 2020 Expert BlogNew York CityEric A. Goldstein

Neighborhood non-profit groups that have run successful and beloved community composting operations on parks properties for years are being ousted by New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.

A New York Climate Justice Activist with Roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains

December 11, 2020 DispatchNew York City, Washington, D.C.Carmen Cusido

WE ACT’s director of environmental health and education, Taylor Morton, who found their path to environmental justice work through a childhood spent in nature, wants to help the next generation get outside without fear.

A Champion for Equitable and Sustainable Infrastructure

December 3, 2020 NRDC in ActionLos Angeles, PhiladelphiaShelia Hu

Stephanie Gidigbi Jenkins is pushing for public policy solutions that address social equity and climate justice while strengthening access to reliable transportation, affordable housing, and open spaces.

The Story of Colonialism and Climate Change Told Through Centuries of Indigenous Artworks

November 24, 2020 PerspectivesNew York CityIngrid Abramovitch

Two exhibits at the Brooklyn Museum explore Native perceptions of nature and themselves.

NRDC’s HQ Is Projected to Achieve Net-Positive Electricity

November 17, 2020 Expert BlogNew York CityMaria McCain

NRDC's headquarters now uses 100 percent solar energy to power electric consumption, any excess energy not used will be fed back into the electrical grid.