GREEN u.s. law & policy
NRDC's legislative team is dedicated to protecting and building upon America's framework of environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Keep up to date with latest legislation affecting environmental issues through our biweekly Legislative Watch bulletin, which tracks all environmental bills moving through Congress.
ALL DOCUMENTS IN U.S. LAW & POLICY
The Time Has Come for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act
Legislative Analysis
The U.S. law to control toxic chemicals is a failure. Essentially unchanged since 1976, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) has made it almost impossible for the EPA to get information on the health risks of chemicals, or to restrict the use of dangerous substances. Chemical companies are not required to test the toxicity of their products, are immune from reporting critical information to the public, and are able to sell their products under an “innocent until proven guilty” premise. As a result, the TSCA has been ineffective -- regardless of the administration in power. Fortunately, recent developments have created tremendous opportunity for chemical policy reform.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
An Opportunity to Repower America with a Green Economy
Legislative Analysis
The economic recovery package is a first step toward repowering America with green jobs, refueling our nation with clean energy, and rebuilding the country’s aging transportation and water infrastructure. As the bill moves into its final stages, Congress has a great opportunity to make a serious commitment to energy independence, reducing carbon emissions and protecting our environment while also creating millions of new jobs. In order to assure that these goals are met, NRDC supports the inclusion of these provisions in the final American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Support Renewable Energy Grants Program In House Economic Recovery Bill
Legislative Analysis
For almost two decades, production and investment tax credits have been the primary tool used by the federal government to encourage extensive deployment of clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and geothermal, and the production of high efficiency appliances.1 Unfortunately, the current economic climate is drastically reducing profits and thus tax liabilities, which is limiting the effectiveness of these tax credits. Without smart federal action, the construction of new renewable power projects and the manufacture and purchase of new, super-efficient appliances will plummet.
Tax Credits for Energy-efficient Commercial Buildings
Legislative Analysis
The cheapest, cleanest and quickest response to global warming and high natural gas prices is to target energy efficiency. Studies have shown that energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to reduce global warming pollution.