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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.

Why Do Water Bills Vary So Wildly?

Expert BlogUnited States, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, New HampshireLarry Levine

A new study holds lessons for water affordability.

More States Adopt Building Energy Codes in India

Expert BlogIndiaPrima Madan
In a boost for energy efficient buildings, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan adopted the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 last month. Building energy codes are effective tools to ensure energy efficiency in the construction and operation of buildings.

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.

Seattle Orders Building Standard and Walk Zone for Climate

Expert BlogSeattle, WashingtonElizabeth Stampe

Speaking from Glasgow at the international COP-26 climate meeting, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced an executive order to cut Seattle’s greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s two largest sources: transportation and buildings.

St. Louis Launches SiLVERS EV Shuttle Service for Seniors

Expert BlogSt. Louis, MissouriStefan Schaffer

In the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), St. Louis is thinking outside the box: On September 30, the city celebrated the launch of the innovative St. Louis Vehicle Electrification Rides for Seniors (SiLVERS), an equity-minded program that will provide EV…

Decarbonized Buildings & Vehicles Create Good Missouri Jobs

Expert BlogMissouriGabrielle Habeeb, Ashok Gupta

Eliminating carbon emissions from our building and transportation sectors will be critical to maintaining a healthy and livable climate. Decarbonizing these sectors is putting Missourians to work while investing in a cleaner, more climate resilient future.

NRDC Sets Region Specific Water Targets for Each Office

Expert BlogUnited States, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Bozeman, Beijing, San Francisco, Santa MonicaMaria McCain

NRDC has seen a steady decline in total water usage institution-wide and has taken steps to advance water stewardship.

How Cities Are Centering Equity in Benchmarking Policies

Expert BlogDenver, Colorado, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seattle, WashingtonCaroline Keicher
A new resource from the City Energy Project—Incorporating Equity into Energy Benchmarking Requirements: Guidance for Policy and Program Practitioners—helps cities understand the opportunity to leverage benchmarking and transparency policies to address racial and social equity.

Opportunities to Strengthen AC Efficiency Labels in India

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra
In a rapidly warming world, climate friendly air conditioner are vital to providing essential cooling, while keeping greenhouse gas emissions and energy use low. However, a large number of ACs and refrigerators sold in the Indian market may not be…

Every State Should Have a Right to a Healthy Environment

Expert BlogNorth Carolina, Pennsylvania, Montana, Massachusetts, CaliforniaCorinne Bell
A few states currently have a constitutional right to a healthy environment and several more are working to enshrine such rights.

Lowe’s Bans PFAS in Fabric Protector Sprays

Expert BlogCalifornia, WashingtonSujatha Bergen
In a step forward for public health, Lowe’s has banned the sale of fabric protectors that contain toxic PFAS chemicals in its stores.

St. Louis Charges Toward Clean Air with Electric Vehicles

Expert BlogSt. Louis, MissouriKelly Blynn, Stefan Schaffer
St. Louis continues to set a brisk pace on its path toward clean transportation: In February, Mayor Lyda Krewson signed an executive order that formally begins the transition for the city fleet, requiring city departments to prioritize acquiring EVs over…

Honolulu's New Climate Laws Will Save Energy and Money

Expert BlogHonolulu, HawaiiElizabeth Stampe
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell today signed a long-awaited package of climate legislation that will help reduce carbon emissions and save money for residents and the City.

Cities Are Leading the Way: 2020 Wins & Look Ahead

Expert BlogUnited States, Charlotte, Honolulu, Pittsburgh, St. LouisJay Orfield, Kimi Narita
Cities made tremendous progress in their climate challenge goals throughout a difficult 2020. Now, cities are eyeing all that is possible in the new year.

Honolulu’s New Bus-Only Lane Puts People and Climate First

Expert BlogHonoluluElizabeth Stampe, Amanda Eaken
Honolulu has rolled out the red carpet for public transit with its brand new bus-only lane, the city’s first in 30 years. Now, the most sustainable and safe form of transportation will move people faster and more reliably, too.

Plans for Expanding Clean Energy in India’s Villages

Expert BlogIndiaSameer Kwatra
With pilots starting this month, Hariyali Green Village Plans, developed by NRDC and partner, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), aim to demonstrate a model to transform village energy use in India by making clean energy available and affordable while improving…