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.

In Colorado, Oil and PFAS Shouldn’t Mix

DispatchColoradoNicole Greenfield
We can add PFAS contamination to the list of ways the oil and gas industry is threatening Coloradans’ health. Two new laws aim to stop it—but are they enough?

NRDC and Partners Sue to Stop Oil Leasing in Cook Inlet, AK

Expert BlogAlaskaJulia Forgie
We're challenging Interior's decision to lease nearly a million acres of this vibrant ocean ecosystem for oil production without looking more carefully at the environmental harms that will result.

How the American Rescue Plan Can Transform Chicago

Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoGina Ramirez
From reducing pollution burden to reducing gas bills, the Recovery Plan represents an opportunity for Chicago to reach its emissions reductions goals while improving lives.

Delaware River Commission Further Guards Basin from Fracking

Expert BlogDelaware, New Jersey, New York, PennsylvaniaSahana Rao
The Delaware River Basin Commission has moved to further protect the 13,579 square-mile watershed by finalizing new rules that, among other things, ban the discharge of fracking wastewater.

Equitable Building Decarbonization Across the Country: 2022

Expert BlogCalifornia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, OregonCaroline Keicher, Joe O'Brien-Applegate
Policies and programs aimed at new construction and existing buildings continue to gain traction as communities and elected officials realize the feasibility and benefits of ambitious and equity-centered action.

2022 Sees LA Make Strides on Climate Justice

Expert BlogCalifornia, Los AngelesMegan Ross, Olivia Walker
Los Angeles is ending the year with notable progress on energy justice and building decarbonization, with plans for more in 2023.

LA Becomes Largest CA City to Electrify New Buildings

Expert BlogCalifornia, Los AngelesMegan Ross, Olivia Walker
Los Angeles passed a policy directing new buildings to be constructed to use all-electric energy, a critical action to achieving LA’s community-driven building decarbonization goals.

Q&A: Chicago Advocates on Equity in Decarbonization Policies

Expert BlogIllinois, Chicago, United StatesGina Ramirez

Courtney Hanson of People for Community Recovery and Yessenia Balcazar of Southeast Environmental Task Force talked with NRDC’s Gina Ramirez about the importance of Chicago introducing equitable building decarbonization polices that benefit its communities.

Another Round of Oil & Gas Leasing, With Rules Still M.I.A.

Expert BlogUnited States, WestJosh Axelrod

With nearly 325,000 acres across five states now up for potential leasing in Spring 2023, the BLM continues to move forward with largely unfettered onshore oil and gas leasing on federal public lands despite the escalating climate crisis. 

Making Good on California's Clean Transportation Promises

Expert BlogCalifornia, United StatesCarter Rubin, Zak Accuardi

Environment, health, and justice groups are looking for the Governor and Legislature to ensure California's transportation investments match its lofty climate goals.

New Report Finds Electric Homes Can Save Chicagoans Money

Expert BlogIllinois, Chicago, United StatesThomas Siafa Jr., Valeria Rincon

A new report finds that Chicagoans can save roughly $11,000 to $24,000 over a 20-year time period by ditching expensive gas and fully electrifying their homes.

Time to Fast-Track Africa’s Clean & Equitable Energy Future

Expert BlogInternational, AfricaShruti Shukla

The Biden administration must prioritize – at COP27 and beyond – providing the necessary tools for Africa to equitably decarbonize and sustain its economic potential in the face of rising climate impacts. At COP27 and beyond, leaders need to show…