News & Commentary

TECH Clean California: $120M in Good News for the Climate

February 16, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaKiki Velez, Merrian Borgeson

The recent launch of TECH Clean California represents a significant milestone in the effort to equitably decarbonize California’s buildings in line with our pressing climate goals. What’s in the $120 million program, and how can Californians take advantage TECH's electrification…

5 Things to Know About CA Bill to Curb Bee-Killing Neonics

February 15, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaLucas Rhoads

Widespread neonic use is a leading cause of pollinator declines and linked with bird losses, ecosystem collapse, and risks to human health.

Proposed Port Expansion Puts South Oxnard Community at Risk

February 14, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaNatalia Ospina, Heather Kryczka

Five reasons the Environmental Impact Report is incomplete.

Let Us Breathe! A Vision for a Healthy Oxnard

February 10, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaNatalia Ospina, Heather Kryczka

Learn how an industrial project threatens a community-led vision for health and justice in a coastal California community, and support residents by submitting a comment letter by Feb. 14th.

We Don’t Need Toxic “Forever” PFAS Chemicals in Our Clothes

February 7, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaAvinash Kar, Yiliqi

AB 1817 by Assemblymember Ting would phase out PFAS in clothing and textiles sold in California.

Diablo Canyon Redux: Joint Letter to CA Governor Misfires

February 4, 2022 Expert BlogCalifornia, WestRalph Cavanagh

NRDC hopes that those who submitted the letter will join us and many others in supporting much more affordable and practicable approaches to decarbonizing California’s economy.

LA City Council Votes Unanimously to End Urban Oil Drilling

January 28, 2022 Expert BlogLos AngelesDamon Nagami

This watershed moment demonstrates the power of community engagement and momentum.

Proposed Newsom Budget Doubles Down on Climate, Food, and Ag

January 12, 2022 Expert BlogCaliforniaLena Brook, Arohi Sharma

Governor Newsom’s newly released proposal rightfully recognizes the profound impact of climate change on our state’s food and agriculture system and the need for significant investment.

Indian Cities Struggle for Clean Air

December 21, 2021 Expert BlogIndiaAnjali Jaiswal

Aiming to fight air pollution, India’s environment minister Bhupendar Yadav recently announced plans to scale clean air programs to a national mission, “Clean Air for All."

Debunking Myths Surrounding California's Net Metering Reform

December 17, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaMohit Chhabra

Setting the record straight to allow for a fair judgement on the merits of the proposed net-metering decision in California.

Tenant Protections, Good Jobs Key to Decarbonizing Buildings

December 8, 2021 Expert BlogLos Angeles, CaliforniaMichele Knab Hasson, Merrian Borgeson

In Los Angeles, buildings are the top source of carbon pollution, and the city is taking bold steps to end these harmful emissions completely by 2050. As city leaders and other stakeholders consider how to achieve these emissions reductions equitably…

California Must Close Big Pesticide Loophole

December 3, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaDaniel Raichel

When is a pesticide not a pesticide?

Ten New Environmental Laws in California

November 30, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaVictoria Rome

The environmental community continued to chalk up wins in the state legislature despite another unusual year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a gubernatorial recall election.

Should CA Seek Another Life Extension for Diablo Canyon?

November 22, 2021 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaRalph Cavanagh

In an op-ed calling for the nuclear power plant’s operating license to be extended past 2025, Steven Chu and Ernest Moniz acknowledge that the process would be “complex.” It wouldn’t just be complex; it would be hugely expensive and wrong.

When Extreme Heat Hits India’s Slums, These Women Cool Things Down—and Save Lives

November 16, 2021 DispatchIndiaNicole Greenfield

Whether facing heat waves, water scarcity, or COVID-19, women-led networks in Ahmedabad are working together to keep their families and neighbors safe.

Will Los Angeles Finally Put an End to Oil Drilling in Neighborhoods?

November 12, 2021 DispatchLos AngelesNicole Greenfield

For close to a decade, the STAND-L.A. coalition has been calling on the city to stop extracting oil near homes and schools. Victory, at long last, is within reach.

LA Must Tackle Clean Buildings & Affordable Housing Together

November 8, 2021 Expert BlogLos Angeles, CaliforniaStefan Schaffer, Michele Knab Hasson, Megan Ross

Currently, LA’s building stock is responsible for 43% of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. A recent report dives deep into the complex relationship between getting fossil fuels out of buildings and creating and preserving affordable housing in Los Angeles…

San José Council Votes to Go Carbon Neutral by 2030

November 5, 2021 Expert BlogCalifornia, San Jose (California)Elizabeth Stampe, Sarah Elkotbeid

San Jose, the nation’s 10th largest city, has emerged as a climate leader in recent years, including by becoming the biggest city in the United States to make almost all new buildings all-electric. But the City’s work isn’t done, as…

If You Build It, They Will Suffer

November 2, 2021 Expert BlogLouisianaAmy Mall, Sujatha Bergen

A Louisiana Community Gives Voice to the Costs of Fossil Fuel Production

No Longer a Laggard: California's Bold Setback Proposal

October 29, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaAnn Alexander

Californians have the opportunity now to make their views known about the proposed regulation—what’s excellent, and what needs improvement.