Pennsylvania’s plan fails to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay, EPA says

Gabriela MartínezApril 18, 2022

Pennsylvania's plan fails to meet goals for reducing nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment. EPA will increase inspections and redirect funds to other states.

Food and AgriculturePollutionWater

Repelled by trash, they rappelled to pick it up at a steep Pittsburgh landmark

Elaine VitoneApril 15, 2022

Mt. Washington has the best views of Downtown Pittsburgh. But if you look down the steep hillside, you'll see a sorry site filled with bottles, cans, and plastic debris.

Pollution

Pittsburgh City Council passes bill to ban single-use plastic bags in the city

Ariel WorthyApril 12, 2022

Under the ban, plastic bags won't be an option for shoppers or for take-out. But it won't take effect for another year.

PoliticsPollution

Pittsburgh City Council preliminarily approves long-delayed ban on single-use plastic bags

Ariel WorthyApril 6, 2022

The ban would mean no single-use plastic bags in stores starting next year. Shoppers would have to bring their own reusable bags or buy paper bags.

CulturePollution

Health department signs off on plans to avoid the worst air pollution days in the Mon Valley

Julia ZenkevichApril 1, 2022

The plans are supposed to help keep air pollution down during air inversions when pollution is trapped near the ground, causing poor air quality.

Pollution

Q&A: Federal pipeline regulator fines Energy Transfer $40M, blamed “corporate culture” for large spill into Ohio wetland

Reid FrazierApril 1, 2022

Four years after a massive spill of drilling mud polluted a wetland, FERC issued a $40 million fine. But is it too little, too late?

EnergyPollutionWaterYour Environment Update

Pennsylvania Holds Public Hearings on PFAS drinking water regulation

Julie GrantMarch 25, 2022

PFAS is a class of toxic chemicals that can cause an increased risk of health problems, including cancers. The DEP wants to regulate two of them in drinking water.

HealthPollutionWater

Sulfuric acid spills from storage tank at Shell ethane cracker plant

Reid FrazierMarch 25, 2022

Faulty equipment is blamed for the 2,000-gallon spill which was contained on site. The plant is expected to come online later this year.

EnergyPollution

U.S. Steel fined more than $4.5 million for air pollution in Clairton

Julia ZenkevichMarch 25, 2022

U.S. Steel is fined again for clean air violations for its Clairton Coke Works. This time it's for 831 violations between Jan. 1, 2020, and March 15, 2022.

HealthPollution

Pennsylvania asks for input on PFAS drinking water rule

Rachel McDevittMarch 18, 2022

PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals used to make water-, heat- and stain-resistant things like non-stick cookware and carpets.

PollutionWater