News & Commentary

EPA Delays Action—Again—on Toxic PFAS Chemicals

February 14, 2019 Expert BlogNRDC

This ubiquitous class of chemicals is already present in millions of Americans’ drinking water.

PFAS “Action” Plan Is a Toxic Valentine for Water Drinkers

February 14, 2019 Expert BlogDaniel Rosenberg

The “action plan” to address PFAS chemicals—released by the Agency today in an effort to stem the rising tide of scrutiny and criticism (and oversight)—offers little if any concrete commitments to take action.

Michigan Must Turn the Page on Past Pitfalls

February 13, 2019 Expert BlogJeremy Orr

Michigan Governor and State Legislature must turn the page on past environmental pitfalls and become a national leader on advancing public health and the environment protection.

Needless Killing of Wildlife: Let’s Leave it in the Past

February 13, 2019 Expert BlogMontanaDr. Jennifer Sherry

With Tahlequah’s Newborn and Scarlet Gone, Orca Advocates Race to Save Their Kin

February 11, 2019 DispatchWestLora Shinn

The plight of the Southern Resident orcas is bringing together a coalition of state and tribal leaders, scientists, and grassroots communities to avert a looming extinction.

Pittsburgh Agrees to Terms for Tackling Its Lead-Contaminated Water

February 7, 2019 Expert BlogNRDC

The settlement will protect the health of the city’s residents, who have been dealing with lead contamination issues for years.

Jeopardizing Michigan’s Climate and Health Outlook

February 7, 2019 Expert BlogAriana Gonzalez

Michigan’s House voted against Governor Whitmer’s executive order that would better position the government to protect the health and safety of families across the state. The move is more than tone deaf, it’s dangerous, especially as NRDC’s new report underscores…

Monarch Butterfly Numbers Are Up! And Down...

January 31, 2019 Expert BlogDr. Sylvia Fallon

The yearly count of the eastern population of North American monarch butterflies increased dramatically this year. Spanning 6.05 hectares of oyamel forests, the monarch population more than doubled from last year’s 2.48 hectare measurement and is larger than it has…

Bristol Bay Crossroad: National Treasure or the Pebble Mine

January 28, 2019 Expert BlogJoel Reynolds

Army Corps of Engineers unreasonably accelerates permit process despite requests from Bristol Bay communities for more time, stable project plan, and missing information about reckless mine proposed for headwaters of world’s greatest wild salmon fishery.

Bristol Bay Coalition Rejects Pebble Mine’s Claim of Support

January 24, 2019 Expert BlogJoel Reynolds

Pebble’s efforts to woo support for reckless mining scheme fail to persuade broad-based local opposition.

Vineyard Wind Protects Right Whales While Building a Clean Energy Future

January 23, 2019 Expert BlogNRDC

A landmark agreement ensures that dozens of new wind turbines will help lower carbon emissions—without threatening the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

5 Pros of the Wildlife Conservation & Anti-Trafficking Act

January 23, 2019 Expert BlogElly Pepper

New Disaster Bill Includes $849M for Water Infrastructure

January 18, 2019 Expert BlogRob Moore

A new disaster supplemental appropriations bill (H.R. 268) was passed by the House of Representatives this week. It included $849 million for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems,more resilient and less vulnerable to storms in the future. Typically, federal disaster…

NRDC Urges U.S. to Push Nations to End Illegal Shark Fishing

January 18, 2019 Expert BlogElizabeth Murdock

Sharks are some of the most ancient and diverse species on the planet and crucial to ocean health. Today, many sharks and shark-like fish are in steep decline and the United States has a unique opportunity through the High Seas…

NRDC Sues to Protect Habitat for Endangered Bumblebee

January 15, 2019 Expert BlogNRDC

The Interior Department should’ve designated critical habitat for the rusty patched bumblebee—a year ago.

Vaquita on a Razor's Edge in 2019

January 3, 2019 Expert BlogZak Smith

Protecting Chihuahuan Grassland Habitat of Migratory Birds

December 17, 2018 Expert BlogCarolina Herrera

NRDC’s new Story Map celebrates the extraordinary Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands and highlights the need to protect this natural habitat and its water resources for generations to come.

Building Towards a More Permeable Roadscape for Wildlife

December 17, 2018 Expert BlogMontanaDr. Jennifer Sherry

Michigan Cities and Water Utilities Attack Critical Drinking Water Safeguard

December 12, 2018 Expert BlogNRDC

Despite the Flint water crisis that’s plagued residents for years, Michigan’s cities and water utilities are taking aim at a rule that protects the health of thousands of children.

Trump Administration Moves Forward in Rolling Back Clean Water Protections

December 11, 2018 Expert BlogNRDC

The EPA’s new definition of the Obama-era safeguard would allow polluters to dirty our critically important streams, tributaries, and wetlands—and threaten the water supply of millions of Americans.