natural resources defense council

America’s Cities Are the Vanguard for a Sustainable Future

America’s Cities Are the Vanguard for a Sustainable Future

By Henry Henderson In the absence of federal leadership on climate change, America’s cities have become the vanguard of the country’s efforts to create a sustainable future. Recently, 233 mayors from 46 states and territories, representing 51 million residents across the country, have signed an open letter opposing the repeal of the Clean Power Plan […]

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    Can the Great Lakes Become Fishable, Drinkable and Swimmable Again?

    Can the Great Lakes Become Fishable, Drinkable and Swimmable Again?

    By Susan Cosier As Mark Mattson waited to speak to Canada’s minister for the environment, Catherine McKenna, about the Great Lakes last December, he could feel the weight of the 184-page report he carried in his shoulder bag. At the Toronto meeting, McKenna asked Mattson, founder and president of the Lake Ontario arm of the […]

    The Pebble Mine Is Too Toxic Even for the Trump Administration

    The Pebble Mine Is Too Toxic Even for the Trump Administration

    In a stunning reversal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it is suspending its effort to reverse an Obama-era plan to restrict mining in Bristol Bay, Alaska based on a controversial mine project’s risks to the region’s important salmon fisheries and natural resources. The unexpected move from President Trump’s pro-business administration was a blow […]

    California Goes Big on EVs

    California Goes Big on EVs

    By Simon Mui Gov. Brown released an Executive Order Friday providing the details of an initiative to put 5 million electric-drive vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030, part of a new goal announced last week in his State of the State address. The ambitious and achievable goal would increase the current number of EVs […]

    America Needs a Plastics Intervention. Now’s the Time.

    America Needs a Plastics Intervention. Now’s the Time.

    By Jeff Turrentine Deep in our hearts, we know that the global addiction to plastic is wholly unsustainable. It’s why so many of us make a real effort to significantly curtail our use of plastic bottles and bags, clamshell packaging, straws, disposable utensils and the like. In addition, it’s why so many of us support […]

    Diablo Canyon Closure Decision Missing Critical Elements

    Diablo Canyon Closure Decision Missing Critical Elements

    By Peter Miller The historic proposal to retire and replace California’s last remaining nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, was mostly rejected Thursday in a final decision unanimously adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which removed critical elements protecting the climate, plant workers and surrounding communities. The commission voted to approve this decision, setting […]

    Zinke Adds Oceans to the Chopping Block

    Zinke Adds Oceans to the Chopping Block

    In late April, President Trump issued an executive order promoting oil and gas drilling off America’s coasts—and Thursday, in response, U.S. Department of the Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke plans to unveil a five-year leasing plan that opens our oceans to dangerous development. Zinke’s plan is intended to replace the five-year plan President Obama issued weeks […]

    This Start-Up Has Figured Out How to Turn Diesel Pollution Into Art

    This Start-Up Has Figured Out How to Turn Diesel Pollution Into Art

    By Clara Chaisson Air pollution isn’t pretty. Worldwide, it’s linked to stroke, heart disease, respiratory problems, low birth weight and millions of premature deaths annually. In the world’s most polluted cities, the particles can be so dense that they obscure the sky and stain everything from clothes to windowpanes. Graviky Labs, an India-based start-up that […]