News & Commentary

Powering Up Californians Act Is Signed into Law

October 12, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaMax Baumhefner, Merrian Borgeson

Governor Newsom approves new law that will prepare the electrical grid and reduce the time needed to energize EV charging stations and electrify buildings.

California Is Short-Changing Climate-Friendly Mobility

October 4, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaCarter Rubin

A new NRDC report finds that California only allocates 18.6% of transportation funds to low-carbon mobility choices. Read the full report here.

Basel Committee to Incorporate Climate Risk into Banking Supervision

September 28, 2023 Expert BlogSanta MonicaAlfonso Pating

It should instruct supervisors to treat climate risk as an element of traditional financial risk.

New Transit Service Funding in California—and How States Can Find More

September 27, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaZak Accuardi

Advocates fought for funding to preserve transit service in California, winning a partial victory—and secured new guidance that could unlock billions more

California Becomes 10th State to Limit Lawn and Garden Neonic Uses

September 19, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaLucas Rhoads

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an NRDC-sponsored bill to limit certain non-agricultural neonic uses while paving the way for additional restrictions. 

With AB 363, California Can Continue Momentum to Protect Bees

September 1, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaLucas Rhoads

By passing a bill to rein in non-agricultural uses of bee-killing neonics, California can build on a good year for pollinator protections. 

New York City Remains a Battleground for Illegal Ivory Trade

August 31, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, New YorkIsabel Friedman, Rich Schrader

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announces new exhibit of confiscated ivory at the New York State Museum that educates the public about the harmful industry.

Washington State Acts on Snake River Restoration

August 30, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, WashingtonGiulia C.S. Good Stefani

If the federal government proposes a pathway to comprehensive Snake River restoration, we will all benefit from the important planning and progress underway in Washington State.

CARB Must Reform LCFS Program

August 23, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaKiki Velez

Will CARB listen to the community voices calling for change to the LCFS Program?

Breathing Easy: Truckers’ Health and the Rise of Zero-Emission Trucks

August 18, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaGuillermo A. Ortiz

Truck drivers face a hidden health crisis due to diesel exhaust emissions. Zero-emission trucks can safeguard drivers’ well-being while bringing positive changes to the industry and the planet.

From Highways to Healthy Communities

August 17, 2023 Expert BlogFresno, Los Angeles, CaliforniaZak Accuardi

Following the Federal-Aid Highway Act's signing in 1956, California fully built out its interstate and state highway system, expanding mobility access for car-owners, stimulating economic development, and creating thousands of jobs. But these benefits came with unacceptable and avoidable costs.

Illinois Must Invest in Transportation Options for All

June 28, 2023 Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisSamantha Henningson, J.C. Kibbey

The infusion of $10 billion in federal funds presents an opportunity to either double down on a dirty, unfair status quo—or choose a new transportation future.

Did Pebble Mine Shareholders “Blink” in Securities Fraud Suit?

June 16, 2023 Expert BlogAlaska, United StatesJoel Reynolds

Pebble Mine owner agrees to settle shareholder claims that company failed to disclose secret plan for exponential expansion of widely opposed Bristol Bay mine.

Landmark Neonic Bill Headed to Governor Hochul’s Desk

June 14, 2023 Expert BlogNew YorkDaniel Raichel

The New York legislature passed a first-in-the-nation bill to dramatically curb the pesticides that decimate pollinators and threaten New Yorkers’ health.

Want to Save the Planet? Save the Bus

June 7, 2023 Expert BlogCalifornia, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose (California)Zak Accuardi

California's leaders have an opportunity to lead on clean transportation by prioritizing public transit—but the bus is leaving the station soon. 

California Pesticide Bills on the Move—Again

June 2, 2023 Expert BlogSacramento, CaliforniaLucas Rhoads

The California Assembly  passed two bills that would help address widespread contamination of the state’s environment with pesticides like neurotoxic neonics.

Pollinators Notch Big Wins in Minnesota

May 26, 2023 Expert BlogSt. PaulLucas Rhoads

In a historic 2023 session, Minnesota reined in pesticide use, increased pollinator habitat, and built momentum toward additional protections. 

The Proposed Colorado River Deal: A Short-Term Band-Aid for a Long-Term Problem

May 23, 2023 Expert BlogWest, California, Arizona, Nevada, MexicoDr. Mark Gold

The Colorado River conservation proposal from Arizona, California, and Nevada reduces diversions by 1 million acre feet a year. Is this enough to make river management sustainable?

Illinois Needs to Address Transportation Pollution—Not Widen I-55

May 15, 2023 Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoMeghan Hassett, J.C. Kibbey

Illinois has a transportation pollution problem. Expanding I-55 would only worsen it, putting vulnerable communities at risk.

Triangle T Water District and the Absurdities of CA Water

May 3, 2023 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

While it may not be an outlier, the absurdity of the Triangle T Water District is a great example of why people say that in California, water flows uphill towards money.