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Natural Resources Defense Council | The Earth's Best Defense
This concerning trend is brought to you by the fossil fuel industry. We will continue to hold polluters accountable because every degree of warming we can prevent will be lifesaving.
January 16, 2026 at 7:14 PM
This concerning trend is brought to you by the fossil fuel industry. We will continue to hold polluters accountable because every degree of warming we can prevent will be lifesaving.
BREAKING: House Republicans want to weaken the law that protects Americans from toxic substances. Their goal is to remove limits on new chemicals, weaken protections on already-existing ones and take away the public’s right to be informed about them.
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
BREAKING: House Republicans want to weaken the law that protects Americans from toxic substances. Their goal is to remove limits on new chemicals, weaken protections on already-existing ones and take away the public’s right to be informed about them.
The EPA proposed a rule that would limit the authority of states and tribal nations to protect communities and ecosystems whose water quality is threatened by projects like pipelines, dams, and other major development.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/c...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/c...
E.P.A. Moves to Limit States’ Ability to Block Pipelines
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:32 PM
The EPA proposed a rule that would limit the authority of states and tribal nations to protect communities and ecosystems whose water quality is threatened by projects like pipelines, dams, and other major development.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/c...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/c...
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule has protected public forests from harmful logging and industrial roadbuilding for 25 years. These undeveloped public lands provide vital habitat for threatened species and must be protected from the Trump administration’s attacks.
Preserve forests; demand the 'Roadless Rule' remains intact | Op-Ed
Roadless areas provide habitat for wildlife, filter water, cool streams and absorb carbon. We must protect them from roadbuilding and logging.
www.seattletimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:48 PM
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule has protected public forests from harmful logging and industrial roadbuilding for 25 years. These undeveloped public lands provide vital habitat for threatened species and must be protected from the Trump administration’s attacks.
The Trump administration plans to auction off over a million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain to oil and gas corporations, which would destroy critical habitat for polar bears, caribou, muskox, and over 200 species of migratory birds.
January 14, 2026 at 3:38 PM
The Trump administration plans to auction off over a million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain to oil and gas corporations, which would destroy critical habitat for polar bears, caribou, muskox, and over 200 species of migratory birds.
Reposted by NRDC
Now Trump EPA head, Lee Zeldin, enters the scene with rank dishonesty & theatrical indignation to dispute the NY Times' correct, accurate reporting.
But I've read the EPA smoking gun document, I'm a 30+-year clean air lawyer, I understand its meaning better than Zeldin, & I have the receipts. 1/
But I've read the EPA smoking gun document, I'm a 30+-year clean air lawyer, I understand its meaning better than Zeldin, & I have the receipts. 1/
January 13, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Now Trump EPA head, Lee Zeldin, enters the scene with rank dishonesty & theatrical indignation to dispute the NY Times' correct, accurate reporting.
But I've read the EPA smoking gun document, I'm a 30+-year clean air lawyer, I understand its meaning better than Zeldin, & I have the receipts. 1/
But I've read the EPA smoking gun document, I'm a 30+-year clean air lawyer, I understand its meaning better than Zeldin, & I have the receipts. 1/
Trump’s EPA just announced they are no longer going to factor in the economic benefit of saving lives when setting air pollution standards—only the cost to industry. This goes directly against their own mandate to protect public health.
E.P.A. to Stop Considering Lives Saved When Setting Rules on Air Pollution
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Trump’s EPA just announced they are no longer going to factor in the economic benefit of saving lives when setting air pollution standards—only the cost to industry. This goes directly against their own mandate to protect public health.
Scientists find that oceans absorb over 90% of the excess heat from climate pollution. This extra heat intensifies climate disasters, accelerates sea level rise, and puts ocean ecosystems and the life they support at risk.
‘Profound impacts’: record ocean heat is intensifying climate disasters, data shows
Oceans absorb 90% of global heating, making them a stark indicator of the relentless march of the climate crisis
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Scientists find that oceans absorb over 90% of the excess heat from climate pollution. This extra heat intensifies climate disasters, accelerates sea level rise, and puts ocean ecosystems and the life they support at risk.
Today is the 25th anniversary of the Roadless Rule, which protects forests from harmful industrial activities. Roadless areas safeguard wildlife and provide clean drinking water for millions, but the Trump administration is trying to undo it. We must defend our public forests.
January 12, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Today is the 25th anniversary of the Roadless Rule, which protects forests from harmful industrial activities. Roadless areas safeguard wildlife and provide clean drinking water for millions, but the Trump administration is trying to undo it. We must defend our public forests.
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