News & Commentary

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Explainer

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Dispatch

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Perspectives

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

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Expert Blogs

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

NY Legislature Passes Bill to Close Fracking Waste Loophole

Expert BlogNew YorkRob Friedman
After years of deadlock, key legislation that regulates oil and gas waste passed the New York State Legislature this week. The legislation closes a longstanding and dangerous loophole that exempts dangerous oil and gas industry waste from New York’s existing…

Pritzker, Lightfoot: Stop Passing the Buck on Enviro Justice

Expert BlogChicagoMeleah Geertsma
On June 25, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) granted an air permit that will enable the relocation of a notorious metal shredding operation from Chicago’s wealthy and largely white Lincoln Park to the Southeast Side environmental justice community. In…

China, Top Player in World A/C Market, Raises Efficiency Bar

Expert BlogChinaNoah Horowitz, Alex Hillbrand
China implemented one of the world’s most stringent energy efficiency requirements for room air conditioners today. The move by the globe’s largest buyer and manufacturer of these appliances will save huge amounts of carbon-intensive electricity, putting a formidable dent in…

Ann Arbor’s Climate Plan Centers Community Voices

Expert BlogMichiganAviva Meyers
In its journey toward carbon neutrality, Ann Arbor is employing innovative ways to engage with community members. The city seeks input from frontline populations in order to create an equitable future where all Ann Arborites can thrive.

Chicago River Flooding a Clear Sign of Bigger Issues to Come

Expert BlogChicagoKaren Hobbs

Who says you can't see climate change? Flooding all over Chicago, including rivers running backwards and bringing huge volumes of sewage to Lake Michigan, are a troubling reminder of growing infrastructure stresses that threaten the region.

A Translator for the Climate Crisis, Grief Included

NRDC in ActionNew York City, New York, Birmingham, AlabamaKaren L. Smith-Janssen
Writer, editor, teacher, and podcast host Mary Annaïse Heglar uses the art of storytelling to help people feel less alone in facing the climate crisis—and to build the movement for climate justice.

The City Insider Proving that Mayors Can Lead on Climate

NRDC in ActionChicagoNicole Greenfield
Chris Wheat, who helped make Chicago a greener place from inside its city hall, is now helping empower city governments across the country to realize their many climate ambitions.

Defender of Energy Efficiency—and Equity

NRDC in ActionGeorgia, Detroit, Michigan, Baltimore, Maryland, Norfolk, VirginiaKeith Mulvihill
Dawone Robinson, regional director of NRDC’s Energy Efficiency for All Project, works to create opportunities for low-income communities of color to save energy and money.

These Prehistoric Fish Are Making a Slow Comeback in the Midwest

DispatchWisconsin, MichiganSusan Cosier
Conservationists, fishers, and fans of the iconic lake sturgeon have seen some success in their efforts to revive the population, including through hand-rearing and releasing the babies—and yes, spearing the big ones.

Ten Environmental Stories to Mark a Decade in Latin America

Expert BlogInternational, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, BrazilAmanda Maxwell, Carolina Herrera, Jessica Carey-Webb, Marilyn Kunce
The Latin America team at NRDC reflects on the incredible environmental milestones we've witnessed in our work, and beyond.

Blueprint of a Buyout: Des Plaines, Illinois

Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisAnna Weber
The City of Des Plaines has purchased 68 flood-prone homes, but not without extensive time and effort between multiple local, state, and federal agencies.

Blueprint of a Buyout: Blue Acres Program, New Jersey

Expert BlogUnited States, New JerseyAnna Weber
One state-run program has achieved faster timelines than most FEMA-funded buyouts, but this has required extensive resources, staff time, and experience.