News & Commentary

Time for a Different Approach to Building Upgrade Programs

January 17, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesIrene Nielson

One size does not fit all, building retrofit programs should be designed at a community level to ensure low-middle income homes don’t get left behind. A new guidelines doc co-authored by NRDC with partners helps set up community-driven retrofit programs.

Carbon Capture Can’t Fix the Climate Impacts of Forest Biomass Power

January 17, 2024 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Sami Yassa

Forest biomass with BECCS captures only a fraction of total emissions, yet the wood pellet industry continues to deceive the public and decisionmakers.

New Mexico Legislature Should Move on Clean Energy, Jobs, and Climate

January 16, 2024 Expert BlogNew MexicoAlexis Mena

Here are some of the initiatives we will be engaged in—and encouraging lawmakers and the governor to act on.

Proposed Hydrogen Guidance Is Strong. But Backsliding Looms.

January 12, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesRachel Fakhry, Erik Kamrath

Proposed federal rules for hydrogen production will avoid dire climate and consumer impacts. But some industry groups and policymakers aim to weaken them.

India Takes Action To Address Mounting Heat Risks in Cities

January 12, 2024 Expert BlogIndiaDr. Vijay Limaye

Experts discuss actions to strengthen heat preparedness in India.

The Significance of Chevron Deference

January 12, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesDavid Doniger

Two new SCOTUS cases, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless Inc. v. Dept. of Commerce, may impact federal agencies’ ability to perform their duties.

Overcoming Decarbonization Barriers in Los Angeles’s Affordable Housing

January 11, 2024 Expert BlogUnited States, Los AngelesMichele Knab Hasson, Olivia Walker, Dr. Veena Singla

Affordable housing is among the most vulnerable and underfunded of building sectors but thoughtful design and flexible financing could help provide cleaner, healthier buildings for all.

Vessel Strike Fatally Wounds Right Whale Calf

January 10, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. Francine Kershaw

One of only nine endangered North Atlantic right whales calves born this season has been found with serious injuries caused by a vessel’s propeller.

PJM Seizes Failure from the Jaws of Success on Transmission Planning

January 10, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesTom Rutigliano

In 2027, we’ll be looking back and wondering how we managed to waste another three years.

New Database of Federal Grants for Food Waste

January 10, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesNina Sevilla

ReFED and NRDC partnered to create a database of federal grants that could be used to fund food waste reduction work.

Considering Health and Energy Efficiency Together: A Pilot

January 10, 2024 Expert BlogLos Angeles, CaliforniaOlivia Walker, Dr. Veena Singla

As California continues to ramp up its efforts to support building retrofits targeting energy efficiency, decarbonization, and electrification, other housing issues regarding health and safety have also become more apparent. While existing and emerging energy retrofit programs present an opportunity…

Q&A: We Can’t Wait 40-Plus Years for Chicago to Get the Lead Out

January 10, 2024 Expert BlogUnited States, ChicagoChakena D. Perry

The city with the most lead service lines in the nation has been given 40 years—or more—to replace its lead pipes, according to the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements proposal.

What PJM Can Learn from MISO About Transmission Planning

January 9, 2024 Expert BlogWashington, D.C.Claire Lang-Ree, Natalie McIntire

PJM should enable smart transmission expansion that will benefit the entire region by taking a page out of MISO’s book.

Losing (More) Ground: Updated Severe Repetitive Loss Data

January 9, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesAnna Weber

Updated data show that the nation is falling further behind in addressing risk to the most repeatedly flooded homes.

Eight Ways the United States Can Help Mobilize Loss and Damage Funding

January 9, 2024 Expert BlogInternationalJoe Thwaites

The United States has a particular responsibility and capacity to lead the global funding response to climate impacts. Here's how.

Driving Ambition, Action, and Equity at COP28 (Part 2)

January 9, 2024 Expert BlogInternationalJake Schmidt, Brendan Guy, Joe Thwaites, Shruti Shukla, Jennifer Skene, Prima Madan, Pete Budden, Yvette Cabrera

At COP28, countries, companies, investors, and other decision-makers sent a clear signal to spur greater action now and increase ambition this decisive decade.

How to Fix What Xcel Got Wrong on Clean Heat

January 8, 2024 Expert BlogColoradoAlejandra Mejia Cunningham

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission should approve a Clean Heat Plan that delivers more emissions reductions at a lower cost

2024 Resolution for OSHA: Propose A Workplace Heat Standard

January 8, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesJuanita Constible

OSHA should resolve to get a proposed workplace heat standard out for public comment before 2024’s hot weather starts.

Pebble Mine: SCOTUS Denies Original Review of EPA Veto

January 8, 2024 Expert BlogAlaska, United StatesJoel Reynolds

In the latest defeat for the embattled Bristol Bay mining scheme, the Supreme Court unanimously rejects the Dunleavy Administration’s motion for review.

What’s Great and What Needs Fixing in the EPA’s Proposed Lead Rule

January 8, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The EPA would require most water systems to remove lead pipes within 10 years. That's great, but key improvements are needed.