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.

Q&A: Chicago’s Drinking Water Problem Needs a Real Solution

Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoGina Ramirez, Ellen Lee

NRDC’s Ellen Lee sits down with Gina Ramirez to discuss her experience growing up in Chicago drinking bottled water to avoid lead poisoning, and the urgent need for the city to replace lead pipes.

Preserving Oregon's Economy-wide Cap on Carbon Emissions

Expert BlogOregon, California, WestRalph Cavanagh

Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission adopted the second state-level economy-wide carbon cap in the country (in December 2021), after California’s. The resulting Climate Protection Program (CPP) relies on the state’s sovereign authority to regulate environmental hazards, and on supporting authority under…

Years Later, Lead Pipes Remain in Chicago

Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoGina Ramirez

My mom has been applying for Chicago’s Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program for the past two years. In response, she’s gotten nothing but rejections after jumping through hundreds of hoops.

CA Ends Gas Connection Subsidies

Expert BlogCaliforniaMerrian Borgeson, Kiki Velez
The California Public Utilities Commission took a first-in-the-nation step of eliminating customer subsidies for new gas system connections in a unanimous vote today.

Healthier Buildings as a Climate Solution for Chicago

Expert BlogChicagoGina Ramirez, Kyler Sumter

Communities of color must have a seat at the table as we come up with standards to remove emissions from our buildings and ultimately make them healthier to live in.

CA Legislature Turning Off Tap on PFAS “Forever” Chemicals

Expert BlogCaliforniaAvinash Kar

The end of the legislative session in California brought welcome news on PFAS, a class of toxic “forever” chemicals consisting of 12,000+ chemicals. Several pieces of legislation addressing this toxic and persistent class of chemicals moved forward.

Will Bees Get a Break? Neonic Bill Sent to Cal. Governor

Expert BlogCaliforniaLucas Rhoads
In the six months between the AB 2146's introduction and its passage by the legislature, concerns about impacts of neonics on human health have continued to mount. It is clearer than ever that California must act.