News & Commentary

Meet the activists and NRDC staff propelling change, read our expert analysis, and learn about the latest challenges and solutions to advancing a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Latest News

Stay on top of the latest research, policy updates, publication releases, and environmental news. 

Explainer

Get a breakdown of complex climate, public health, nature, and equity topics to inform your activism.

Dispatch

Read about activists tackling climate justice and other environmental causes in their communities and beyond.

Perspectives

Discover intersectional viewpoints from activists and artists on the environmental issues of the moment.

NRDC in Action

Find out how NRDC protects people and the planet by learning about some of our key fights.

Expert Blogs

Hear from our policy advocates, scientists, and litigators about the challenges and solutions for building a healthier and more just world.

Major Victory in Coalition Push for Renewable Rikers Island

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

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.

Fossils and Nukes: The Downsides to Congress’ Latest Actions

Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Josh Axelrod, Geoffrey H. Fettus
With the passage of significant energy and climate legislation as part of an end-of-year spending package, Congress cobbled together legislation with both major climate wins (including the phase-down of HFCs) and problematic handouts for the fossil fuel industry and dangerous…

Pebble Mine 2020 in Review: A Win for the Soul of the Earth

Expert BlogUnited States, AlaskaJoel Reynolds
Army Corps denies permit for destructive Bristol Bay mega-mine, stunning company that vows to appeal, while Alaskans and opposition coalition focus on long-term protections for Bristol Bay.

Colorado Climate Action: Home Alone Edition

Expert BlogColoradoAriana Gonzalez
With the holiday season upon us and the new year just around the corner, now is the time to plan for next year’s climate action priorities. And what better plan than one inspired by the holiday classic Home Alone.

NYC Parks Commissioner Pushing Out Community Composters

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.

New York Announces Historic Fossil Fuel Divestment Plan

Expert BlogNew YorkRich Schrader
In a historic move, New York State announced it will divest its $225 billion Common Retirement Fund from fossil fuels—among the largest pension fund divestments ever undertaken in the nation.

EPA Declines to Limit Deadly Soot Air Pollution

Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Emily Davis, John Walke, Dr. Vijay Limaye
On its way out the door, the Trump Administration undermines the Clean Air Act and public health in a profound way.

A Catalyst for the Midwest’s Clean Energy Transition

NRDC in ActionKansas City (Kansas), St. Louis, Missouri, New York CityBrian Palmer
Ashok Gupta spent decades cleaning up New York’s grid and reducing its reliance on dirty fuels. Now he’s working to bring the clean energy future to the Midwest.

An Ally in the Fight for Safe, Affordable Drinking Water for All

NRDC in ActionDetroit, Illinois, Flint, Chicago, MichiganNicole Greenfield
Detroit native Jeremy Orr combines his personal experience and community organizing roots with his legal expertise to help communities of color in Michigan and Illinois dismantle environmental racism.

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.

The Federal Reserve’s New Signals on Climate

Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C.Sarah Dougherty
The Fed, the U.S. central bank, has moved from irregular mentions to a concerted effort to roll out a spate of new ideas and endeavors that highlight the risks of climate change to our financial system.