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Expert Blogs

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A Tale of Two Grids: Texas and California

Expert BlogCalifornia, TexasRalph Cavanagh

Although both California and Texas recently faced traumatic weather events, the consequences for electric system reliability were dramatically different. 

The Other Solution to Texas’ Woes: Efficiency and Heat Pumps

Expert BlogTexasPierre Delforge, Alejandra Mejia Cunningham

As Texans continue to grapple with the devastation from recent winter storms, weatherization and modern super-efficient heating technology are powerful tools that can ease the stress on the electric grid and help Americans stay safe and comfortable.

Texas Needs a Smarter, More Resilient Electric Grid

Expert BlogTexasJohn Moore

Freezing cold temperatures put the Texas electric grid into distress this week, with likely dozens of deaths and other human suffering, more than 4 million losing power, and more than 40% of the state’s gas, coal, and nuclear fleet offline…

Seattle Gets Most Fossil Fuels Out of New Large Buildings

Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, SeattleElizabeth Stampe

Seattle’s City Council just voted unanimously to pass strong updates to the city’s building energy code that will significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels in new buildings.

Michigan Clean Energy Year in Review (and the Road Ahead)

Expert BlogMichiganSamantha Williams, Derrell E. Slaughter
We are building a foundation now in Michigan for the clean energy transition, not only reaping the health and economic benefits for residents but also ensuring that the state is doing its part to tackle the climate crisis.

Quebec Protections for Cree Land Go Far, But Not Far Enough

Expert BlogCanadaJennifer Skene
As part of a broader plan to meet its commitment of 17% land protection by 2020, Quebec announced a significant expansion of protected areas in Eeyou Istchee, the Cree homeland, that if realized, would double the territory’s protected area from…

800,000-Plus Risk Water Shutoffs in the Great Lakes State

Expert BlogMichiganCyndi Roper
An estimated 800,000 Michiganders throughout the state are known to be behind on their water bills and could face water shutoffs, according to new data compiled by NRDC in collaboration with the People's Water Board Coalition.

Right Whales Suffer Precipitous Decline

Expert BlogUnited States, CanadaDr. Francine Kershaw
356. The number of North Atlantic right whales estimated to remain on earth at the end of 2019. This is a precipitous decline from an estimated population size of 409 whales just a year ago. Vessel strikes and entanglement in…

Albuquerque Partners with Jicarilla Apache Nation Solar Farm

Expert BlogNew Mexico, AlbuquerqueEloisa Portillo-Morales
Known for its beautiful lakes, majestic landscapes, and abundant wildlife, the Jicarilla Apache Nation reservation in northwestern New Mexico will soon become known for another impressive environmental feature: a 400-acre solar farm.

The Consumers Energy IRP and the Future We Want for Michigan

Expert BlogMichiganSamantha Williams, Gabrielle Habeeb
Consumers Energy has an important regulatory filing coming up that is going to impact every single person living in Michigan. In the coming months, the utility will file their next long-term energy plan—known as an Integrated Resource Plan or “IRP”.

Forest Destruction Creates Clear Risk for P&G Investors

Expert BlogCanada, United StatesAshley Jordan
NRDC and its partners released an investor brief outlining why Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) top investors should vote their shares in support of Shareholder Proposal #5, which urges the company to report on its efforts to eliminate deforestation and degradation…

This Is the Moment to Reimagine Public Transportation

Expert BlogUnited States, Seattle, New York CityAmanda Eaken

COVID-19 has changed many aspects of life, including the way we move through our neighborhoods. The pandemic has forced us to reimagine peoples relationship to streets with many cities launching "healthy streets" or "open streets" to allow for more land…

Five Years Later, Waswanipi Is Still Waiting on Quebec

Expert BlogCanadaJennifer Skene
A just, sustainable future depends on prioritizing Indigenous leadership and allowing the Waswanipi and other Indigenous People to finally dictate the future of their own lands. They’ve waited long enough.