Online Articles

New York City traffic jam.

New York City’s Congestion Pricing Toll- How Will It Affect New York’s Air Pollution?

April 8, 2024 by Jack Hatzimemos Air Regulations State and Local

After years of years of roadblocks and anticipation, New York City is scheduled to introduce its controversial Congestion Pricing toll in June. The congestion toll, which will charge drivers of standard vehicles $15 to enter parts of lower Manhattan, aims to reduce traffic build up and air pollution in the city. However, the toll has been met with tremendous scrutiny, particularly on the true environmental impact of the project.

Bike lanes, low speed limits, sidewalks protected from drivers by parked cars and trees, and crosswalks improve safety and comfort for walking and biking in this D.C. neighborhood.

“Please Don’t Hit Me!” Making Cities Safer for Pedestrians & Bikers

March 25, 2024 by Alexis Gorfine Climate change State and Local Sustainability

The healthiest and happiest communities are walkable, bikeable, and provide equitable transportation options for all. D.C. policymakers must put cars in their place and take steps to promote pedestrian safety. By slowing down drivers, improving infrastructure to promote pedestrian awareness, and encouraging mass transit alternatives, we can make our city more friendly to both the environment and its habitants, workers, and visitors.

Smoke from Taylor Creek Fire in 2018, as seen from just outside of Grants Pass, Oregon. USFS/Darren Stebbins.

Dual Hazards of Homelessness and Climate Change

March 7, 2024 by Kayla Minton Kaufman Climate change Public Lands State and Local

Climate change and the legal punishment of homelessness together create intersecting hazards. Homelessness, therefore, is a community issue and an environmental issue.

FERC Headquarters, an independent federal agency with regulatory authority over interstate electricity, natural gas, and oil transmission.

Updates from FERC’s Feb. 15 Open Meeting

February 27, 2024 by Nathan Tatum Energy Regulations State and Local

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) held its February open meeting on Feb. 15, 2024, addressing a number of items including cold weather reliability standards, hydropower permitting, and natural gas exports.

Heavy industrial pollution leaving smokestacks in blue sky.

Has Massachusetts v. EPA Hurt the Climate?

February 23, 2024 by Diego Huerta Air Climate change Fossil Fuels Regulations State and Local

Massachusetts v. EPA is seen as an unalloyed victory for the climate movement, but over 15 years after the case was handed down, legal knock-on effects from the decision have come back to bite.

Waste Bins Overflowing on the National Mall

D.C.’s Broken Glass

February 15, 2024 by Nicholas Merrill Plastic pollution State and Local Sustainability

Washington D.C. faces a crisis of confidence regarding its glass recycling practices. Does the District actually recycle our bottles? What can be done?

View from Main Street in Ludlow. Source: Joe Shlabotnik, https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/16166710787, no changes made.

Slopes Submerged: Understanding and Addressing Flooding in Ludlow

February 8, 2024 by Nicholas Alois Climate change Regulations State and Local

Last summer, Ludlow, Vermont, experienced devasting flooding after several inches of rain fell in the area in one day. In this article, Nicholas Alois discusses the flood’s impact on the community, the long rebuild process, and recommended flood prevention and mitigation efforts moving forward.

A hiker in a wheelchair takes to a trail in Yellowstone National Park. (Source: Yellowstone National Park, Flickr, https://flic.kr/p/283wvkb)

Disability Justice and the Environment: Ensuring Equal Access to Nature

January 25, 2024 by Zak Handler Public Lands State and Local

Access to nature is tremendously important to human health and wellbeing; however, it is not equitably distributed. This post examines the law governing disability access to public lands and offers suggestions for improving access.

The cattle industry, a major polluter, seems a natural target for more aggressive environmental regulation.

What’s for Dinner? The Environmental Regulatory Landscape Provides a Battleground for States to Fight Over the Meat Industry

January 5, 2024 by Eli Merkadeau Climate change Regulations State and Local

Against the backdrop of a Supreme Court highly skeptical of agency action, the meat industry has seen legislation from both states seeking environmental improvements and states looking to support their meat producers. Given the Court’s willingness to defer to impactful state legislation, states may be allowed to duke it out and try to exert control over the production of meat and meat alternatives on a national level.