Trump on Earth

We’re tracking the Trump administration’s cuts to environmental agencies, regulatory rollbacks and contract cancellations with interviews about the big picture and stories about the repercussions in our region.

Advocates, environmentalists split as Trump signs orders to bolster coal industry

Kat BolusApril 11, 2025

President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Tuesday to reinvigorate the country’s coal mining industry.

EconomyEnergyTrump on Earth

Logging poised to accelerate in Allegheny National Forest under emergency declaration

Next Generation NewsroomApril 10, 2025

The declaration will make it easier to cut more timber as some regulations like endangered species protections and public challenges are curtailed.

ConservationRecreationTrump on EarthWild PennsylvaniaWildlife

A dark colored community recycling bin, next to a white sign with the letter IRG in green

Plans for Erie recycling plant scrapped. Company blames Trump tariffs and cutbacks

Julie GrantApril 8, 2025

The International Recycling Group cites Trump tariffs and the hold-up of a federal loan guarantee from the Inflation Reduction Act as reasons for canceling its plans.

Climate ChangeEconomyPollutionTrump on Earth

A mountain view through a cliff opening of yellow and green trees

With federal cuts at national parks, state parks and forests brace for ‘record-breaking summer’

Pennsylvania Capital-StarApril 8, 2025

DCNR cites some federal campgrounds closing as a result in part of the boost in campsite reservations.

PoliticsRecreationTrump on Earth

Pennsylvania meteorologists concerned about cuts to the National Weather Service

Anne DanahyApril 3, 2025

Meteorologists worry important data informing forecasts could become less reliable, and could affect extreme weather warnings.

Climate ChangeTrump on Earth

A grey puff of smoke come sout of a dark smokestack

Trump’s EPA head vowed to roll back dozens of regulations. What impact will that have on public health?

Reid FrazierMarch 28, 2025

Many of the rules were put in place to protect human health and the environment. How will environmental groups push back on the EPA's new deregulatory agenda?

HealthPollutionTrump on Earth

‘A reckless dismantling’: EPA employees and supporters march in Philly to protest cuts

Sophia SchmidtMarch 28, 2025

EPA staffers and retirees worry rollbacks and cuts planned by Trump administration officials could undermine work to protect human health.

PoliticsPollutionTrump on Earth

A woman carries an arm-full of cut flowers through a field.

Farmers in Trump country were counting on clean energy grants. Then the government moved the goalposts.

FloodlightMarch 27, 2025

Thousands of farmers and small rural businesses remain in limbo as USDA demands grant rewrites favoring fossil fuels over renewables.

Food and AgricultureTrump on Earth

Governor Shapiro with our other men at a table

Gov. Shapiro demands USDA uphold contract for farmers and food banks

Julie GrantMarch 26, 2025

Governor Josh Shapiro says Pennsylvania will appeal a decision by USDA to end a $13 million contract for the state’s farmers and food banks.

Food and AgricultureTrump on Earth

Governor Josh Shapiro speaks at a podium with a sign that reads, "300 wells capped. Washington County, PA.

Federal money to plug Pa.’s dangerous wells is unfrozen, but uncertainty plagues contractors

Spotlight PAMarch 25, 2025

Ongoing lawsuits against the Trump administration over hundreds of millions of federal dollars to plug old oil and gas wells are creating uncertainty.

Climate ChangeEnergyTrump on Earth

Full Episodes

Episode for April 11, 2025

Episode for April 4, 2025

Episode for March 28, 2025

Trump on Earth

Advocates, environmentalists split as Trump signs orders to bolster coal industry

Logging poised to accelerate in Allegheny National Forest under emergency declaration

Plans for Erie recycling plant scrapped. Company blames Trump tariffs and cutbacks

Trump on Earth

Advocates, environmentalists split as Trump signs orders to bolster coal industry

Logging poised to accelerate in Allegheny National Forest under emergency declaration

Plans for Erie recycling plant scrapped. Company blames Trump tariffs and cutbacks

With federal cuts at national parks, state parks and forests brace for ‘record-breaking summer’

Pennsylvania meteorologists concerned about cuts to the National Weather Service

Trump’s EPA head vowed to roll back dozens of regulations. What impact will that have on public health?

‘A reckless dismantling’: EPA employees and supporters march in Philly to protest cuts

Farmers in Trump country were counting on clean energy grants. Then the government moved the goalposts.

Gov. Shapiro demands USDA uphold contract for farmers and food banks

Federal money to plug Pa.’s dangerous wells is unfrozen, but uncertainty plagues contractors