Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Environmentalists say proposed state rules are too lenient, industry says they're too costly. But they might bring new technology and jobs to the state.
Of the 50 outages in Pennsylvania last year, 47 were caused by severe weather. Lightning, excessive rain, wind, ice and extreme temperatures all spell trouble for power companies.
Plastic has become the poster child for the wastefulness of the modern world. But Dutch designer Bart Bleijerveld says it’s a really useful, even beautiful material. We’re just using it the wrong way.
Since energy companies have been fracking, they've been trying to figure out the best way to deal with the chemical and mineral-laced water that gurgles out of the wells. Some of the wastewater is transported to Ohio where it is injected thousands of feet into the ground, and where it's been known to cause earthquakes. But a new company in thinks it can do better by building on an old technology.
Some large buildings in Pittsburgh already capture gray water, filter it and then use it for flushing toilets. But the county wants to clarify the rules on water recycling for homeowners.
Pennsylvania has hundreds of small dams that don't provide drinking water or flood control, so the state and conservation groups have been making a big push to remove them.
