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.

Energy Efficiency: Ohio's Hospitals and Low-Income Residents

Expert BlogOhioDaniel Sawmiller
Ohio's Hospitals and low-income residents have benefit greatly from energy efficiency programs. Still, Ohio lawmakers may choose to eliminate these programs and increase the energy burden—and electric bill—for both.

No More Climate Money for Fossil-Fueled Affordable Housing

Expert BlogCaliforniaMerrian Borgeson
It is time to end public investment in new buildings that burn fossil fuels for heating and cooking, locking residents into decades of pollution and undermining California’s climate progress.

Columbus Strides Forward on Its Sustainable Steps Program

Expert BlogColumbus, OhioStefan Schaffer
There’s no slowing down Columbus, Ohio, as it continues to stride forward on climate action. On Energy Efficiency Day, October 7, the city celebrated a major achievement: the completion of more than 30,000 home energy audits within just two years.

Los Angeles Leads in Easing Consumer Utility Debt

Expert BlogLos Angeles, CaliforniaMichele Knab Hasson
The City of Los Angeles is taking action to address crippling debt accumulated by low-income utility customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CA Rules to Save Bees From Spooky Pesticides Need More Work

Expert BlogCaliforniaDaniel Raichel

As other nations act (and the Trump administration dithers) on restrictions to protect bees, birds, fish, and water supplies from neurotoxic neonicotinoid insecticides (AKA, “neonics”), California once again finds itself in the position of trailblazer.

The Clean Energy Expert Bringing Black Voices to the Table

NRDC in ActionCaliforniaRasheena Fountain
As NRDC’s California state lead for clean energy and equity, Alexis Cureton is working to ensure that communities of color help shape energy policy, both inside and outside of the energy sector.

Creating a New Normal for Wildlife on Highway 191

Expert BlogMontanaDr. Jennifer Sherry

Montana—a state with one of the highest rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions—is ripe with opportunity to facilitate safer travel for wildlife and people.

Pebble Mine: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Expert BlogAlaskaJoel Reynolds

Following Army Corps of Engineers’ release of Pebble’s flawed final environmental impact statement, opposition digs in, Alaskan coalition urges EPA veto, House votes to cut off funding for permitting, Senators Manchin and Cantwell speak out, and Northern Dynasty’s share value…

California Seeks to Reduce Inequity in Access to Nature

Expert BlogCaliforniaDrevet Hunt, Damon Nagami
Natural spaces like rivers, beaches, wetlands, and forests are critical to human health and well-being. California's legislature is poised to take action to ensure access to nature for all its citizens by enacting AB3030.

California Moves Toward Smart and Efficient Water Heating

Expert BlogCalifornia, United StatesPierre Delforge
California has just adopted an energy code specification for grid-friendly and super-efficient water heaters that will help decarbonize buildings and the electric grid while saving Californians money on their utility bills.

The Humble Beaver: Troublemaker or Climate Superhero?

DispatchMontana, WestAlisa Opar
Beavers create rich habitats and act as buffers against the effects of drought and wildfire—spurring efforts to pinpoint new ways to help us coexist with North America’s largest rodent.

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.

Settlements Constrain Efforts to Enlarge Shasta Dam

Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaDrevet Hunt
California’s Attorney General, a coalition of fishing and environmental organizations that includes NRDC, and Westlands Water District settled lawsuits on terms that will help ensure Westlands does not assist with the ill-conceived plan to raise Shasta Dam.