News & Commentary

Blueprint of a Buyout: Harris County, Texas

September 17, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, TexasAnna Weber

Harris County’s program may be a harbinger of the future, when Americans are displaced by flooding and frustrated by the uncertainties of relocation assistance.

Toxic PFAS-Coated Carpets Will Come Off the Shelves at the Home Depot

September 17, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesNRDC

The first-of-its-kind announcement addresses the public health crisis of “forever chemicals”—which can now be found in the blood of virtually every American.

Nuclear vs. Climate Change: Rising Seas

September 16, 2019 Expert BlogInternational, United StatesChristina Chen

Rising global temperatures are already posing serious risks to nuclear plants and regulators cannot wait until sea levels rise and storm surges occur.

New England Ocean Monument: A Model for Ocean Climate Action

September 16, 2019 Expert BlogInternationalBrad Sewell

The IPCC’s upcoming report will detail the severe consequences of climate change for the ocean, animal and plant species, and the human race.

Faith's Call to Virginia Climate Action

September 13, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, VirginiaDawone Robinson

Karenna Gore and William Barber, III will moderate a forum on how we can help repair our damaged climate and create solutions.

Fight for Climate Action or “Stop Pretending”?

September 13, 2019 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

As far as future-building strategies go, Greta Thunberg’s passionate optimism beats Jonathan Franzen’s placid pessimism any day.

How Long Does It Take to Get a FEMA Buyout for a Flooded Home?

September 12, 2019 ExplainerUnited States, KentuckyKeith Mulvihill

Millions of people in America could be displaced by rising sea levels and repeated flooding. Yet, as Kentucky resident Olga McKissic learned, it can take years to get the help needed to move to higher ground.

California Legislature Passes Landmark Nonfloating Oil Bill

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaAnn Alexander

The legislature has rightfully recognized, in passing the bill, that nonfloating oil is a disaster waiting to happen.

The Broken Safe Drinking Water Act Won’t Fix the PFAS Crisis

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The public health crisis with PFAS, or "forever toxic chemicals," in the drinking water of millions of Americans will not be solved by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Why we need to fix the law to protect the public.

Hurricane Dorian Highlights the Need for Effective Home Buyouts

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesMitchell Bernard

The cycle of flood-rebuild-repeat must end. It’s a matter of equity.

Trump EPA Uses Animals to Hide Science Attack

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesKristi Pullen Fedinick

While on the surface, this announcement appears to be about protecting the lives of animals, there’s more here than meets the eye.

EPA Attack on Science Targets Animal Tests

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. Jennifer Sass

Instead of protecting animals, and people, the recent EPA announcement will fast-track chemicals onto the market with limited or flawed toxicity testing.

Going Under: Post-Flood Buyouts Take Years to Complete

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesAnna Weber

NRDC's new report finds that more than 5 years elapse between a flood and the completion of most FEMA-funded buyout projects.

Senators Make Key Play to Save the Arctic Refuge

September 11, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesNora Apter

The Trump administration is expected to finalize plans to allow oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as soon as this week.

Dorian, Florence, Etc: The World at One Degree of Warming

September 10, 2019 Expert BlogNorth Carolina, South CarolinaRob Moore

Recent flooding and hurricanes have made it clear that climate change is a clear and present danger.

Reconsidering the Economics of Gas Pipelines

September 10, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesGillian Giannetti

A Rocky Mountain Institute study finds that gas pipelines and power plants proposed today are at a high risk of becoming stranded by 2035, as cheaper, cleaner energy alternatives outcompete them. Such a result would leave millions of ordinary consumers…

A Lack of Balance: Runoff and Harmful Algal Blooms

September 9, 2019 Expert BlogCalifornia, Los Angeles, New JerseyCorinne Bell

There’s a lot local agencies and regulators can do to help prevent algae blooms that threaten public health.

Stand Up for Safe Drinking Water in New York State

September 9, 2019 Expert BlogNew YorkKimberly Ong

Get harmful chemical contaminants out of New York State's drinking water.

Chile’s Ongoing Water Crisis: Threats and Needed Actions

September 9, 2019 Expert BlogChileCarolina Herrera

From too much water to not enough, this critical resource presents unique challenges in the Metropolitan Region (MR) of Chile, the hub of the country’s bustling capital and nearly half of the Chilean population.

Dominion’s Rising Cost to Virginia's Economy and Environment

September 7, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, VirginiaWalton Shepherd

Observers in the energy regulatory world were shocked last week at the finding of a staggering $277 million in overcollections by Dominion, the state’s largest regulated monopoly.