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.

Iowa Group Protects Bee Habitat Amid ESA Battle

Expert BlogIowa, MidwestLucas Rhoads
While NRDC and our partners are in court fighting to win habitat protections for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, the Bur Oak Land Trust is also taking matters into its own hands.

The Trees Are Our Climate Keys

Expert BlogUnited States, AlaskaGarett Rose
To meet its domestic and international climate commitments, the Biden administration must take bold steps to protect older forests and trees on federal forestlands nationwide.

Stopping Pebble Mine: A Test of Our Democracy

Expert BlogAlaska, United States, CanadaJoel Reynolds
Isolation grows for Canadian owner of widely condemned Bristol Bay mine, faced with broad-based opposition at all levels and intensifying calls for permanent protection of the region.

New Jersey Enacts Groundbreaking Neonic Legislation

Expert BlogNew JerseyLucas Rhoads
New Jersey has enacted legislation that significantly curtails use of neonicotinoid pesticides, or "neonics," insect-killers that are a leading cause of mass bee losses, contribute to declines in birds and other wildlife, and pose risks to human health.

Pebble Mine 2021 Year in Review: Back to the Future at EPA

Expert BlogAlaskaJoel Reynolds
Destructive Bristol Bay mega-mine is all but dead following EPA’s re-start in 2021 of Clean Water Act 404(c) process for region’s lasting protection, long sought by Bristol Bay tribes and communities.

Philadelphia Gas Utility Explores Business Diversification

Expert BlogPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaEmily Barkdoll, Mark Szybist

Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability and Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), the City-owned gas utility, have released a report summarizing the findings from the Philadelphia Gas Works Business Diversification Study, an exploration of pathways for PGW, its workers, and its customers to…

Independent Review Rejects Pebble Mine Economic Analysis

Expert BlogAlaskaJoel Reynolds

Citing major flaws in Pebble Mine’s Preliminary Economic Assessment, Rio Tinto’s former Environment Chief concludes destructive Bristol Bay mining project risks losing “many hundreds of millions to multiple billions of dollars."

EPA Sets Schedule for Bristol Bay Protections

Expert BlogAlaskaTaryn Kiekow Heimer

Demonstrating its commitment to ending the threat of large-scale mining to the world’s most productive wild salmon fishery, EPA announced a new timeframe for considering whether to permanently protect Bristol Bay and stop the Pebble Mine.

Groups Urge EPA to Protect Bristol Bay by Summer 2022

Expert BlogAlaskaTaryn Kiekow Heimer

More than 50 groups urge EPA to issue permanent protections for Bristol Bay, Alaska under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act by the start of the 2022 fishing season. 

A Chance to Coordinate on Offshore Wind

Expert BlogNew York, New Jersey, EastCullen Howe

Offshore wind energy is essential for transitioning the grid to a clean energy future. Recognizing this reality, coastal states such as New York and New Jersey are working to add more offshore wind to their energy mix but have not…

Court Vacates Trump Reversal of Bristol Bay Protections

Expert BlogAlaskaTaryn Kiekow Heimer

Granting EPA motion to vacate, federal judge in Alaska reinstates safeguards against widely condemned Pebble Mine, dealing latest blow to embattled copper and gold mine in world's greatest wild salmon fishery

New Mexico's Hydrogen Hub Needs Climate Guardrails

Expert BlogNew MexicoNoah Long, Rachel Fakhry, Jacqueline Ennis

New Mexico's hydrogen hub effort must be accompanied by a more comprehensive climate legislation package, which is New Mexico’s best chance to cut emissions and promote long-term economic stability, as well as policy guardrails to mitigate the risks of hydrogen…