EPA assures farmers that it’s safe to grow food near East Palestine train derailment Julie GrantJune 16, 2023 The agency says the results of extensive testing for chemicals reveal nothing worrying for farmers or consumers. Food and AgricultureHealthPollutionYour Environment Update
PWSA receives $52.4M EPA loan to continue drinking water system improvements Jillian ForstadtJune 9, 2023 The EPA loan came through the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, which aims to modernize aging treatment systems. EconomyEnvironmental JusticePoliticsPollutionWater
A Penn State researcher weighs in on the UN negotiations to end plastic pollution Kara HolsoppleJune 9, 2023 Countries met in Paris to decide whether plastic production or recycling should be the focus of the agreement they hope to adopt by 2024. EconomyPollutionWaterYour Environment Update
Residents rally against Shell plastics plant pollution in Beaver County Reid FrazierJune 8, 2023 They want Shell to be held accountable for pollution from its ethane cracker, including for it to be shut down during air pollution events. EnergyHealthPollutionThe Coming Chemical Boom
Officials don’t know what the long-term health impacts will be from the East Palestine derailment Julie GrantJune 7, 2023 Residents told to see their doctors. "We may not know how to get rid of vinyl chloride from the body, but we know how to treat those cancers.” HealthPollution
These high school students are grappling with living in the shadow of chemical pollution Reid FrazierJune 2, 2023 Living near Shell's ethane cracker and East Palestine, one student came to a realization: "I was like, ‘Oh, wait a minute, stuff is actually serious.'" HealthPollutionThe Coming Chemical BoomYour Environment Update
Mon Valley leaders have $5M in U.S. Steel fines to spend, but little has gone to public health Jillian ForstadtJune 2, 2023 So far, funds have gone for things like snowplows, street lights and ballfields, with only 7 percent for public health or environmental projects. HealthPoliticsPollution
EPA issues $2.4 M fine to Eastman Chemical for pollution at western Pa. site Reid FrazierMay 26, 2023 The facility along the Monongahela River violated the Clean Water and Clean Air acts, including spills of chemicals like styrene. Pollution
Shell’s air pollution violations result in $10M fine for Beaver County ethane cracker Reid FrazierMay 24, 2023 Shell's ethane cracker has racked up air quality violations since its start-up and more than 43 malfunctions since 2022. EnergyPollutionThe Coming Chemical Boom
Methane leaks from pipelines targeted by proposed federal rule Rachel McDevittMay 19, 2023 A federal proposal to reduce leaks of greenhouse gases from pipelines would be the first major change in standards since the 1970s. Climate ChangeEnergyPollution
