Pennsylvania Could Face New Wave of Abandoned Coal Mines
As coal companies go bankrupt, state governments may have to pick up the tab of cleaning up coal mines. That could cost billions of dollars.
Pollution
Environmental Groups Seek Pre-Trail Ruling Against U.S. Steel
PennEnvironment and Clean Air Council want a federal judge to find that U.S. Steel violated the Clean Air Act thousands of times after the 2018 Christmas Eve fire at the Clairton Coke Works.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Move Ahead with Plastic Bag Bans as Pennsylvania’s Preemption Nears End
The Republican-controlled legislature did not renew a statewide preemption on single-use plastics, opening the door for cities and municipalities to institute their own bans.
New ‘Toxic 10’ List Outlines Worst Industrial Polluters in Allegheny County
The 10 biggest industrial polluters in Allegheny County released more toxic pollution into the air in 2019 than they did in previous years.
U.S. Steel Cancellation Leaves Western Pa. With Questions Over Steel’s Future
When U.S. Steel announced it was canceling $1 billion in upgrades in the Mon Valley, it also pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. So what does this mean for the region?
Study Finds Patients Near U.S. Steel Plant Had Worse Asthma After 2018 Fire
A 2018 Christmas Eve fire at the Clairton Coke Works knocked out pollution controls for three months, resulting in large releases of sulfur dioxide, a lung irritant.
U.S. Steel Cancels $1B Upgrade to Pittsburgh Plants
The company said they've seen the future of steelmaking: "When facts change, we must change.” Elected officials, regulators, environmentalists, and unions weigh in.
Q&A: Pittsburgh’s Mayoral Candidates Debate the City’s Environmental Challenges
PublicSource interviewed all four Democratic candidates for Pittsburgh mayor and found some similarities and many differences, especially how to deal with clean water in the city.
Pittsburgh’s Air Improving, but Still Gets an ‘F’ From American Lung Association
Despite some improvements, the Pittsburgh metro area ranked 9th worst in the country for long-term particle pollution, which is associated with heart and lung disease.
New Reports: Cleaning Up Coal Sites and Plugging Gas Wells Could Create Thousands of Jobs
Hazards from abandoned wells and coal mines plague Appalachia. Cleaning them up could be an economic boon for the region.
