News & Commentary

Meet the activists and NRDC staff propelling change, read our expert analysis, and learn about the latest challenges and solutions to advancing a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

A Black man throwing a large empty bottle of wall onto a pile of plastic and trash that is taller than him

The Global Plastics Treaty: It’s Time to Clean Up Our Mess

August 6, 2024 ExplainerInternational, United StatesSusan Cosier

Negotiations are underway to finally slow this endless stream of plastic waste into our environment, food, and bodies.

A blurry image of a line of people wading through floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey in Beaumont Place, Houston, Texas, 2017

1.5 Degrees of Global Warming—Are We There Yet?

July 18, 2024 ExplainerUnited States, InternationalMolly Bergen

Here’s where the world stands in its fight against climate change. The end goal remains the same.

Pedestrians walking past the U.S. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Ends Chevron Deference—What Now?

June 28, 2024 ExplainerUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

For one, the ability of federal agencies like the EPA to set rules and enforce environmental protections now shrinks.

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The Global Plastics Treaty: It’s Time to Clean Up Our Mess

August 6, 2024 ExplainerInternational, United StatesSusan Cosier

Negotiations are underway to finally slow this endless stream of plastic waste into our environment, food, and bodies.

When Customers and Investors Demand Corporate Sustainability

June 27, 2024 ExplainerInternational, United States, CanadaSusan Cosier

Through shareholder resolutions, letters, and activism, consumers and shareholders can push companies to clean up supply chains—and their reputations.

New York State Legislative Session Wraps Up: What’s In and What’s Out?

June 13, 2024 Expert BlogNew YorkRich Schrader

In the wake of the 2024 New York legislative session, we highlight some key victories and grapple with challenging political roadblocks.

10 Things I Hate About You (House Majority Farm Bill)

May 23, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesRebecca Riley

NRDC’s analysis lays out the worst of the worst that this Farm Bill has to offer, from undermining historic climate funding to compromising food security and weakening species protections.

EPA’s New Rules for Drinking Water Right-to-Know Reporting Are a ‘Mixed Bag’

May 16, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Regulation forcing water utilities to publicly disclose contamination makes modest improvements but fails to explicitly ban false or misleading statements.

Hidden Fossil Fuels: Plastic Production Drives Climate Change

April 23, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesRenée Sharp, Shannon Puebla

Study shows that plastic production could be nearly one third of the global carbon budget and emits four times more greenhouse gases than the airline industry.

Calling New York to Break Up with Toxic PFAS this Earth Day

April 15, 2024 Expert BlogNew YorkKate Donovan

New York Legislature has a real opportunity to address upstream sources of PFAS contamination.

Poll: People Want Action on Plastics for Health and Wildlife

April 15, 2024 Expert BlogInternational, Canada, United States, Ohio, PennsylvaniaDaniel Rosenberg

New poll results show overwhelming public support for government action to address the plastic crisis, including a strong global plastics treaty.

“Forever Chemicals” Called PFAS Show Up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home

April 10, 2024 ExplainerUnited StatesMolly M. Ginty, Courtney Lindwall

These toxic chemicals are so common in consumer products and manufacturing that they’re everywhere—including inside our bodies.

What You Need to Know About the Plastic Crisis

April 9, 2024 Expert BlogUnited States, InternationalRenée Sharp, Avinash Kar

Plastic pollution imperils our health and the well-being of the planet.

The Public Health Risks of PFAS-related Immunotoxicity Are Real

March 26, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. Katie Pelch, Dr. Anna Reade

It is time to stop downplaying the potential for harm to the immune system posed by PFAS.

NRDC Sues DOE for Records of Convos with the Chemical Industry

March 21, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesDaniel Rosenberg

NRDC is suing the U.S. Department of Energy for violating the Freedom of Information Act and not disclosing communications with the chemical industry about their agreement on toxic plastic disposal methods.

What to Watch for in the EPA’s Final PFAS Drinking Water Rule

March 12, 2024 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson, Dr. Anna Reade

Expected EPA rule could take a bite out of the “forever chemicals” in tap water crisis.

NRDC’s 2024 Legislative Agenda for a Healthy and Equitable Environment in New York

March 4, 2024 Expert BlogNew York, New YorkRich Schrader, Timothy Edland

The end of 2023 brought huge wins for New York and its environment. Here are our priorities for 2024.

New Analysis Shows Widespread PFAS Contamination of Tap Water in CA

February 21, 2024 Expert BlogCaliforniaDr. Anna Reade

Estimate of Californians with PFAS in drinking water jumps to 25 million—highlights need for proposed bill SB 903 to end unnecessary use of forever chemicals.