NRDC
@nrdc.org
Natural Resources Defense Council | The Earth's Best Defense
President Trump announced that the U.S. will withdraw from the UNFCCC, a foundational international climate agreement. As the U.S. steps back, world leaders and local governments need to continue to strengthen climate action and secure a better future for all.
Quitting and Rejoining Global Climate Agreements: What’s at Stake for the United States
Despite President Trump's announcement that the United States will withdraw from the UNFCCC, countries, companies, and communities must continue to invest in climate solutions to increase affordable e...
www.nrdc.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:13 PM
President Trump announced that the U.S. will withdraw from the UNFCCC, a foundational international climate agreement. As the U.S. steps back, world leaders and local governments need to continue to strengthen climate action and secure a better future for all.
The EPA announced it would set standards for perchlorate, a toxic rocket fuel component found in millions of people’s drinking water that’s linked to serious health effects. The agency is regulating the chemical only because a federal court ordered it to do so in a case brought by us.
EPA says it will propose drinking water limit for perchlorate, but only because court ordered it
The Environmental Protection Agency says it will propose a drinking water limit for perchlorate, a chemical in certain explosives.
apnews.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:46 PM
The EPA announced it would set standards for perchlorate, a toxic rocket fuel component found in millions of people’s drinking water that’s linked to serious health effects. The agency is regulating the chemical only because a federal court ordered it to do so in a case brought by us.
The Trump administration is withdrawing the U.S. from the UN’s coalitions to fight the climate crisis and other environmental agreements that are critical for securing a livable planet. America is one of the world’s biggest polluters, but the White House is running away from its responsibilities.
January 8, 2026 at 6:36 PM
The Trump administration is withdrawing the U.S. from the UN’s coalitions to fight the climate crisis and other environmental agreements that are critical for securing a livable planet. America is one of the world’s biggest polluters, but the White House is running away from its responsibilities.
One year after devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, killing more than 30 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes, communities are coming together to rebuild with hope for the future.
What life looks like a year after the deadly Los Angeles wildfires in photos
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In an empty lot in Altadena, California, the ground is covered by a soft blanket of small white wildflowers.
apnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:46 PM
One year after devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, killing more than 30 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes, communities are coming together to rebuild with hope for the future.
Before we had environmental safeguards, smog filled the air and toxic waste clogged our waterways. These days belong in the past. And yet, the Trump administration is trying to reverse our progress. We’ve been fighting for the environment for over five decades, and this year won’t be any different.
January 5, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Before we had environmental safeguards, smog filled the air and toxic waste clogged our waterways. These days belong in the past. And yet, the Trump administration is trying to reverse our progress. We’ve been fighting for the environment for over five decades, and this year won’t be any different.
AI’s rapid growth is driving up energy demand, straining electric grids, and polluting vulnerable communities. Powering AI data centers with renewables is cleaner, cheaper, and key to an equitable energy future.
The AI Boom Is Stressing the Grid—but It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way
There are ways we can avoid blackouts, sky-high energy bills, and climate backpedaling when powering AI data centers.
www.nrdc.org
January 2, 2026 at 8:12 PM
AI’s rapid growth is driving up energy demand, straining electric grids, and polluting vulnerable communities. Powering AI data centers with renewables is cleaner, cheaper, and key to an equitable energy future.
2025 exposed the limits of natural gas around the world, revealing it as a risky investment due to its high emissions, extreme cost volatility, and growing inability to compete with cheaper renewable energy.
The Transition Fuel Illusion: How 2025 Exposed the Limits of Global Natural Gas Expansion
COP30 outcomes, methane regulation, and market shifts show why natural gas cannot anchor the next phase of the energy transition.
www.nrdc.org
December 30, 2025 at 8:58 PM
2025 exposed the limits of natural gas around the world, revealing it as a risky investment due to its high emissions, extreme cost volatility, and growing inability to compete with cheaper renewable energy.
Congress wants to weaken the Marine Mammals Protection Act, a key ocean conservation law that’s safeguarded species for over 50 years. The proposed rollbacks would strip protections for marine life and expose them to harmful industrial activity.
From Whales to Walruses, Sea Mammals Are Under Attack—and So Is the Law That Protects Them
In yet another attack on science, Congress is proposing to dismantle the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
www.nrdc.org
December 30, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Congress wants to weaken the Marine Mammals Protection Act, a key ocean conservation law that’s safeguarded species for over 50 years. The proposed rollbacks would strip protections for marine life and expose them to harmful industrial activity.
Increasing energy demand strains an electric grid that still relies on aging fossil-fuel power plants. And as the Trump administration cuts solar and wind programs, we’re forced to continue relying on those old, expensive energy sources.
Why Your Electricity Bill Is So High
How we got here and what we can do about it.
www.nrdc.org
December 29, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Increasing energy demand strains an electric grid that still relies on aging fossil-fuel power plants. And as the Trump administration cuts solar and wind programs, we’re forced to continue relying on those old, expensive energy sources.
Earlier this year, we lost Robert Redford, a giant in the environmental movement and a longtime friend and Trustee of NRDC. His legacy and spirit will live on in everything we do as we continue the fight to make the world better than it was yesterday.
December 29, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Earlier this year, we lost Robert Redford, a giant in the environmental movement and a longtime friend and Trustee of NRDC. His legacy and spirit will live on in everything we do as we continue the fight to make the world better than it was yesterday.
Amid the chaos, 2025 brought meaningful wins for the environment. From global renewable energy surpassing coal to several endangered species making remarkable comebacks, this year marked real progress for the planet.
Seven quiet wins for climate and nature in 2025
Here are the year's breakthroughs for the climate and nature you might have missed.
www.bbc.com
December 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Amid the chaos, 2025 brought meaningful wins for the environment. From global renewable energy surpassing coal to several endangered species making remarkable comebacks, this year marked real progress for the planet.
The Trump administration is propping up the coal industry with costly handouts while forcing owners to keep outdated plants running. These moves will raise electricity bills and worsen air pollution—neither of which communities can afford.
Trump's Attempts to Bring Back Coal Will Fail
Coal costs more, pollutes more, and offers less reliability.
www.nrdc.org
December 26, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The Trump administration is propping up the coal industry with costly handouts while forcing owners to keep outdated plants running. These moves will raise electricity bills and worsen air pollution—neither of which communities can afford.
This year, stakeholders at local, state, federal, and international levels made significant progress in reducing food waste, even as critical programs and funding are under threat.
2025 Wins in Food Waste and What’s Next in 2026
Food waste programs and systems made significant advances around the country—and even the world. It's important to keep up the momentum in 2026.
www.nrdc.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:48 PM
This year, stakeholders at local, state, federal, and international levels made significant progress in reducing food waste, even as critical programs and funding are under threat.
CITES, a global body regulating wildlife trade, met last month to strengthen protections for vulnerable species. The U.S. urged for stronger enforcement, but global progress lags behind. Moving forward, we need bold leadership to safeguard global wildlife and secure their future.
Making CITES Great Again?
Despite some bad behavior at COP20, the United States may have outlined what needs to happen if we are to successfully halt international trade in endangered species.
www.nrdc.org
December 23, 2025 at 10:18 PM
CITES, a global body regulating wildlife trade, met last month to strengthen protections for vulnerable species. The U.S. urged for stronger enforcement, but global progress lags behind. Moving forward, we need bold leadership to safeguard global wildlife and secure their future.
Despite climate challenges at the federal level, local governments and international partners were still able to implement important climate victories in 2025. As we welcome a new year, we must build on the momentum and expand on solutions to protect our planet. https://on.nrdc.org/4azF1iF
Yes, Climate Wins Are Still Happening! Let’s Keep It Up in 2026.
Despite the science denialism of federal leaders, on the ground, we’ve continued to make strides for cleaner air, threatened wildlife and wildlands, and community resilience.
www.nrdc.org
December 23, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Despite climate challenges at the federal level, local governments and international partners were still able to implement important climate victories in 2025. As we welcome a new year, we must build on the momentum and expand on solutions to protect our planet. https://on.nrdc.org/4azF1iF
President Trump’s attacks on offshore wind come as electricity prices are spiking, undermining projects that would deliver reliable, affordable power.
The Trump Administration’s War Against Offshore Wind Will Hike Bills and Risk Blackouts
Renewable energy setbacks drive costs higher.
www.nrdc.org
December 23, 2025 at 6:09 PM
President Trump’s attacks on offshore wind come as electricity prices are spiking, undermining projects that would deliver reliable, affordable power.
The Arctic is home to the iconic reindeer, also known as caribou, a keystone species that’s essential to the health of ecosystems throughout the region. It is unquestionably no place for oil drilling. 👇🧵
December 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The Arctic is home to the iconic reindeer, also known as caribou, a keystone species that’s essential to the health of ecosystems throughout the region. It is unquestionably no place for oil drilling. 👇🧵
The Trump administration’s decision to pause construction on five new offshore wind farms jeopardizes projects that would have provided reliable, affordable power to over 2.5 million homes. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/climate/trump-offshore-wind-farms.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
Trump Halts Five Wind Farms Off the East Coast
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The Trump administration’s decision to pause construction on five new offshore wind farms jeopardizes projects that would have provided reliable, affordable power to over 2.5 million homes. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/climate/trump-offshore-wind-farms.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
The Trump administration wants to roll back the Oil and Gas Leasing Rule, increasing subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and threatening wildlife habitat and public health. This rule is common sense: Big Oil should clean up their mess, not leave communities to foot the bill.
Repealing the Oil and Gas Rule Would Be Another Industry Giveaway
Such a move would increase government subsidies to fossil fuel companies while threatening wildlife habitat, recreational areas, and people's health.
www.nrdc.org
December 22, 2025 at 3:10 PM
The Trump administration wants to roll back the Oil and Gas Leasing Rule, increasing subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and threatening wildlife habitat and public health. This rule is common sense: Big Oil should clean up their mess, not leave communities to foot the bill.
These new tax rules targeting solar and wind power are bad for workers, the air we breathe, and the millions of families getting squeezed by higher utility bills. So, we’re suing the Trump administration to stop them.
Oregon environmental group leads lawsuit to reverse IRS wind, solar rules
Tax credits for renewable energy developers will be phased out under the Republican-backed federal budget bill. Advocates say the Trump administration is going too far with strict new rules before the...
www.opb.org
December 19, 2025 at 9:13 PM
These new tax rules targeting solar and wind power are bad for workers, the air we breathe, and the millions of families getting squeezed by higher utility bills. So, we’re suing the Trump administration to stop them.
With your support, our lawyers, scientists, and advocates will keep working around the clock to stop the Trump administration’s relentless environmental rollbacks. Donate to help power our fight: https://on.nrdc.org/4p0z8yv
December 19, 2025 at 7:13 PM
With your support, our lawyers, scientists, and advocates will keep working around the clock to stop the Trump administration’s relentless environmental rollbacks. Donate to help power our fight: https://on.nrdc.org/4p0z8yv
We had no days off this year as the Trump administration pushed a dangerous agenda that waged countless attacks on our environment. With the new year around the corner, we have a renewed purpose to keep fighting.
December 18, 2025 at 9:28 PM
We had no days off this year as the Trump administration pushed a dangerous agenda that waged countless attacks on our environment. With the new year around the corner, we have a renewed purpose to keep fighting.
Driving costs are at an all time high and traffic is polluting communities, so Illinois is investing in a better future for Chicagoland. The new transportation law will help communities stay connected and save families money.
Pritzker signs CTA/Metra/Pace overhaul that ‘makes transit safer and more reliable’
Fares will be collected under a unified system managed by a new, stronger Northern Illinois Transportation Authority.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Driving costs are at an all time high and traffic is polluting communities, so Illinois is investing in a better future for Chicagoland. The new transportation law will help communities stay connected and save families money.
We have been fighting to keep wild places wild for decades, and with your help, we have delivered comments that drive our messaging home: Keep polluters out of pristine public lands and spaces. 👇🧵
December 17, 2025 at 6:46 PM
We have been fighting to keep wild places wild for decades, and with your help, we have delivered comments that drive our messaging home: Keep polluters out of pristine public lands and spaces. 👇🧵