Air pollution can alter our brains in ways that increase mental illness risk

Kristina MarusicNovember 18, 2021

Emerging research finds polluted air linked to mental health problems, leaving western Pennsylvania children and environmental justice communities at high risk.

Environmental JusticeHealthPollutionYour Environment Update

A dark sky advocate says light pollution separates us from the stars

Kara HolsoppleOctober 27, 2021

The astronomer who helped Pittsburgh with its new dark sky lighting ordinance says, "I want more people to see the Milky Way right from where they live."

ConservationPollutionYour Environment Update

New book explores private land, public good and fracking in Pennsylvania

Kara HolsoppleOctober 15, 2021

A sociologist looks at how the environmental and community impacts of the natural gas boom in Lycoming County challenged closely-held rural values of independence and private property rights.

EnergyYour Environment Update

Pa. charges Energy Transfer with environmental crimes over Mariner East pipeline project

Susan PhillipsOctober 6, 2021

Energy Transfer faces 48 criminal charges related to construction of its Mariner East pipeline project, including a felony count of failing to report pollution.

EnergyYour Environment Update

Pa. Won’t Hit Climate Goals Without Increasing Efforts Now, Report Says

Rachel McDevittSeptember 24, 2021

The new Climate Action Plan aims to avoid the worst effects of climate change on public health and safety, infrastructure, agriculture and recreation.

Climate ChangeYour Environment Update

Why It’s Taking Pennsylvania so Long to Regulate Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water

Kara HolsoppleSeptember 24, 2021

In 2017, DEP started developing regulations for PFAS, a class of "forever" chemicals. It might be done by 2023. PFAS is linked to some types of cancers.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Raised in a Coal Mining Family, Now Working on Biden’s Cleaner Energy Future

Ohio Valley ReSourceSeptember 3, 2021

Brian Anderson heads the National Energy Technology Laboratory, which focuses on fossil fuels. He's also leading the effort to help communities transition to clean energy.

Climate ChangeEconomyEnergyYour Environment Update

Judge Vacates Trump’s Rollback of Protections for Streams, Wetlands

Reid FrazierSeptember 1, 2021

It's back to the drawing board for a rule to define which streams, wetlands are protected under the Clean Water Act after a judge found the Trump-era rule risks "serious environmental harm."

WaterWild PennsylvaniaYour Environment Update

Proposed Coal Mine in the Mon Valley Hits Roadblock at Township Meeting

Reid FrazierAugust 19, 2021

The Forward Township planning commission unanimously rejected a challenge to rezone the property to allow for coal mining. Community members in attendance were "100 percent against" the mine.

EnergyYour Environment Update

Climate Scientist Weighs in on New UN Climate Report: ‘Things Are Getting Worse and We Need to Act’

Kara HolsoppleAugust 13, 2021

A climate scientist says don’t throw up your hands. We have to work towards reducing the worsening impacts of climate change quickly.

Climate ChangeYour Environment Update