News & Commentary

Lights, Camera, Action on Climate

February 6, 2020 NRDC in ActionLos AngelesKeith Mulvihill

Daniel Hinerfeld is partnering with TV and film writers, producers, and other Hollywood creatives to address climate change on-screen.

A Roadmap for Frontline Communities

December 15, 2019 NRDC in ActionWashington, D.C., United StatesJeff Turrentine

To address the growing climate impacts on low-income people and communities of color, NRDC signed on to a historic platform that seeks to create a future that benefits all.

Protecting California From the Realities of Nonfloating Oil

October 16, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaJosh Axelrod

AB 936, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on October 12, 2019, takes proactive steps to prepare California for the risks of a nonfloating oil spill.

Landmark Victory: California Ditching Chlorpyrifos in 2020

October 10, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaMiriam Rotkin-Ellman

The bold move will protect children's health in the state and across the country—as well as get the ball rolling for other states to follow suit.

California's Clean Truck Rule: First of its Kind and Long Overdue

October 4, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaPatricio Portillo

California is launching a new rule to tackle one of the largest sources of pollution: medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Newsom Admin Faces Difficult Tests on California Water This Fall

September 30, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaDoug Obegi

The Newsom Administration is expected to respond to upcoming tests of sustainable water management.

The Snow Must Go On

September 25, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaKate Poole

Climate change is bringing many changes to California’s water system, but one of the most concerning is the loss of the Sierra snowpack caused by warming temperatures.

Public Banks Will Help Fight Climate Change!

September 24, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaJulia Prochnik

Public Banks restore economic power to local communities, empowering them to invest in projects that fight climate change and improve their quality of life.

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.

New CA Lawn Sprinkler Standards = Huge Water & Energy Savings

August 14, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaEd Osann

California officials have adopted one of the most important and consequential water-saving measures ever implemented by any state, establishing an efficiency standard for new spray sprinklers that will reduce irrigation system misting and overspray that is common around urban landscapes.

Keeping Water Demand in Check

August 13, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, California, Los AngelesEd Osann

A new tool is shedding light on a growing mismatch between the supply and demand of fresh water.

Cities Fight to Keep Courts Open for Claims Against Big Oil

August 1, 2019 Expert BlogCalifornia, Baltimore, Rhode IslandDavid Hawkins, Pete Huffman

Federal appeals courts will soon hear important cases brought by municipal governments grappling with the mounting costs of climate change.

CA's $1 Billion for Efficiency Now Open to Electrification

August 1, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaMerrian Borgeson

The California Public Utilities Commission unanimously voted to update an efficiency policy to allow access to funding if an appliance saves energy and reduces air pollution, regardless of the technology.

How to Do High Road Infrastructure: 10 Lessons from L.A.

May 15, 2019 Expert BlogLos AngelesDouglass Sims

In honor Infrastructure Week, guest blogger Dena Belzer, CEO of Strategic Economics reports out on her conversation with Cris Liban of LA Metro, on lessons learned for planning, designing, building and operating High Road infrastructure.

L.A. Takes a Fresh Look at Recycled Water

May 13, 2019 DispatchLos AngelesLauren Evans

Facing dwindling freshwater supplies, the city is ready to stop dumping millions of gallons into the Pacific—and to follow Orange County’s lead.

The Warning Lights Are Flashing for California’s Once-Glorious Salton Sea

August 6, 2018 DispatchCaliforniaStarre Vartan

Since this giant salty lake in the desert lost its water supply, its bird habitat has been shrinking and more toxic dust is wafting up from its dry lake bed. Can the Salton Sea be saved?

California Hasn’t Come Clean About Its Water Use During the Drought

July 11, 2018 DispatchCaliforniaCorey Binns

Farms drink up a majority of the state’s water supply, but the details are murky. Most of the largest irrigation districts aren’t reporting how much water they delivered to farmers.

Why Women Rule NRDC’s Science Center

March 27, 2018 NRDC in ActionSan Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York City, Ahmedabad, India, United StatesJenny Shalant

And why female leaders tend to be more attuned to issues of environmental equity.

Fighting Climate Change in the Age of Trump? Stay Golden, California.

January 5, 2017 DispatchCaliforniaBecca Cudmore

The state knows a thing or two about creating a climate policy that’ll keep battling carbon pollution—even if the feds cut and run.