Environmental Protection
Safeguards natural systems through comprehensive litigation, scientific analysis, and policy advocacy addressing climate, energy, and ecosystems.
Environmental organization safeguarding nature through legal action and scientific advocacy
About Organization
Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth's natural systems and ensure a healthy environment for all life through legal action, scientific research, and policy advocacy. Headquartered in New York, NY, the organization combines litigation, scientific analysis, and grassroots organizing to address climate change, clean energy, toxic chemicals, and ecosystem conservation. With $204 million in annual revenue, they operate across national and international scales.
Environmental Protection
Safeguards natural systems through comprehensive litigation, scientific analysis, and policy advocacy addressing climate, energy, and ecosystems.
Climate Solutions
Combats climate change through legal action, clean energy advocacy, and campaigns reducing carbon emissions at scale.
Legal Defense
Enforces environmental laws and challenges harmful policies through litigation protecting nature, public health, and ecosystems.
Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.
Revenue (2021)
$204.3M
Assets (2021)
$600.6M
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.
Conduct scientific research examining environmental threats, climate impacts, and conservation needs to inform advocacy strategies.
Deploy litigation enforcing environmental laws, challenging harmful policies, and protecting natural systems through courts.
Promote evidence-based environmental policies addressing climate change, clean energy, toxic chemicals, and ecosystem protection.
Organize public campaigns and community action supporting environmental protection and amplifying advocacy impact.
Services and programs offered by NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL INC
Advocates for climate solutions through litigation, policy work, and campaigns reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean energy.
Uses litigation to enforce environmental laws, challenge harmful policies, and protect natural systems from destructive practices.
Conducts analysis examining environmental threats, informing policy recommendations, and supporting evidence-based advocacy strategies.
Promotes renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency through policy advocacy and campaigns supporting sustainable alternatives.
Works to restrict harmful chemicals through litigation, policy advocacy, and campaigns protecting public health and ecosystems.
Protects natural habitats and wildlife through legal action, scientific analysis, and advocacy for conservation policies.
Meet the people behind NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL INC.
1970
1970
Established in New York to safeguard natural systems through legal and scientific advocacy.
1990
1990
Extended environmental protection efforts to international scale addressing global threats.
2015
2015
Expanded climate change advocacy becoming leading voice for clean energy and carbon reduction.
2023
2023
Reached $204 million annual revenue supporting comprehensive environmental protection programs nationwide.
Board members, advisors, and key contributors
Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.
Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990 (2021)
Total Reported (2021)
$5.7M
Highest Paid
$705K
Mitchell Bernard
Compensated Officers
15
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Bernard | Interim PRES(Thru 8/21)/Chief Couns. | $630,508 | $74,687 | $705,195 | 40 |
| Anika Rahman Thru 072021 | Chief Board Relations Officer | $479,943 | $21,480 | $501,423 | 40 |
| Michelle Egan | Interim CSO(Thru 1/22)/Chf Str Offic | $385,272 | $62,331 | $447,603 | 40 |
| Veronica Foo | Chief Financial Officer | $371,286 | $56,162 | $427,448 | 40 |
| Makeda Hurd-Walsh As Of 0821 | Interim CDO & BD. Relations Officer | $345,145 | $37,095 | $382,240 | 40 |
| Andrew Wetzler - Interim Chief | Program Off/SVP (As Of 7/2021) | $319,706 | $59,014 | $378,720 | 40 |
| Shelley Poticha | Interim Chief Climate Strategist | $319,763 | $28,203 | $347,966 | 40 |
| Ed Yoon | Chief Policy Advocacy Officer | $290,372 | $52,543 | $342,915 | 40 |
| Vivek Sawhney | Chief Info. Offic. & Intl Operations | $285,692 | $56,847 | $342,539 | 40 |
| Jingjing Qian | Senior Strat. Adv., China Program | $287,309 | $32,330 | $319,639 | 40 |
| Jennifer Powers | Interim CCO (As Of 7/2021) | $265,577 | $44,468 | $310,045 | 40 |
| Susan Casey-Lefkowitz | Senior Strategic Advisor | $255,129 | $50,246 | $305,375 | 40 |
| Mercedes Falber | Senior Dei Advisor | $266,760 | $38,074 | $304,834 | 40 |
| Jennifer Bernstein | CDO/Interim COO (Thru 07/2021) | $258,825 | $41,382 | $300,207 | 40 |
| Manish Bapna | President/CEO (As Of 08/2021) | $238,031 | $10,549 | $248,580 | 40 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.