Study Shows Area the Size of Delaware Affected By Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
An area roughly the size of Delaware has been mined for coal in Appalachia using mountaintop removal, according...
Pollution
Pennsylvania Plans to Fight Trump Administration on Car Emission Standards
State officials are criticizing an anticipated EPA proposal that would roll back Obama-era mileage standards designed to combat climate-changing emissions.
Town Raises a Stink Over Factory Hog Farm
2018 has been a record year for the number of hogs produced in the state. But for some communities, this isn't good news.
With Policy Change, Nearly a Third of Pennsylvanians Live in ‘Environmental Justice’ Areas
The Environmental Justice designation is aimed at protecting poor and minority communities that often bear the brunt of pollution. But the update leaves out oil and gas drilling operations.
Rex Energy Pays $159K to Woodlands Families to Settle Water Claims
Families in Butler County sued the fracking company when their well water had a strong smell and a bad taste after drilling began. Their water is still bad.
Allegheny County fines U.S. Steel $1M for Clairton Coke Works air pollution
The health department says pollution at the plant has gotten worse since, leading to dozens of violations. The agency also said U.S. Steel employees tried to mask air violations.
Wolf Administration Walks Back Timeline for Methane Regulations
Two and half years after announcing a major climate initiative, the Wolf administration has only followed through on part of its plan.
ORSANCO Moves to Eliminate Its Water Quality Standards for The Ohio River
The multi-state commission that protects the Ohio River says its standards are redundant to other state and federal regulations.
For First Time, PA Sets Methane Requirements on Natural Gas Wells
Permits for new and modified natural gas wells and compressor stations will require more leak detection for methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. DEP can also now penalize those companies that don't comply.
Study Finds Health Threats From Oil and Gas Wastewater Spread on Roads
Spreading oil and gas wastewater has been a cheap way for municipalities to suppress dust on unpaved roads in parts of Pennsylvania for years. But the waste can contain high levels of radioactive materials and other pollutants that are bad for water quality and human health.
