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.

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 with 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

EPA pulls permit from New Jersey offshore wind project

Susan PhillipsMarch 19, 2025

The EPA has pulled Atlantic Shores’ air permit for its offshore wind project. The company argues the permit was final and not up for review.

EnergyPoliticsTrump on Earth

Two people stand at an observation deck overlooking a large lake

Raystown Lake cancels campground reservations amid federal job cuts and hiring freezes

Sydney RoachMarch 19, 2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the property, said recreation and stewardship events also will be reduced and canceled.

PoliticsRecreationTrump on Earth

Close-up of smoke billowing out of a smokestack.

‘Cartoon villainy’: Former regulators say EPA’s planned rollbacks would reverse 50 years of environmental progress

WHYYMarch 14, 2025

The EPA administrator Lee Zeldin announced planned rollbacks of 31 rules to help promote industry and lower the cost of living. He didn't mention protecting the environment or public health.

PoliticsPollutionTrump on Earth

A man with white hair in a brown leather jacket stands in front of a large brick church with solar panels on the roof

Solar power supporters in Pa. say outlook is positive, even as policies could change under Trump

Anne DanahyMarch 7, 2025

The solar industry is booming. More churches and schools in Pennsylvania are hoping to take advantage of tax incentives and reap the utility bill savings.

Climate ChangeEconomyEnergyTrump on Earth

Goats graze in a green field, a blue sky with white clouds

Pennsylvania farm group faces layoffs amid federal funding freeze

Julie GrantFebruary 28, 2025

The Trump administration has frozen USDA funds committed to Pasa Sustainable Agriculture to help farmers pay for climate-related projects.

Climate ChangeFood and AgricultureTrump on EarthWater

Full Episodes

Episode for March 28, 2025

Episode for March 21, 2025

Episode for March 14, 2025

Trump on Earth

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.

Trump on Earth

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 with farmers and food banks

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

EPA pulls permit from New Jersey offshore wind project

Raystown Lake cancels campground reservations amid federal job cuts and hiring freezes

‘Cartoon villainy’: Former regulators say EPA’s planned rollbacks would reverse 50 years of environmental progress

Solar power supporters in Pa. say outlook is positive, even as policies could change under Trump

Pennsylvania farm group faces layoffs amid federal funding freeze