Your Environment Update Archives

With Environmental Justice For All?

Julie GrantJune 23, 2017

The EPA’s Environmental Justice office is meant to defend communities that face a disproportionate share of the effects of pollution. But the office’s funding could be cut entirely in President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal.

Environmental JusticePoliticsYour Environment Update

It’s Not Paris or Pittsburgh. It’s the Planet.

Reid FrazierJune 9, 2017

President Trump fulfilled one of his biggest campaign promises in taking the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord. But could his decision lead to more climate action, not less?

Climate ChangePodcastsPoliticsPollutionYour Environment Update

Acosta Deep Coal Mine in Somerset County

Trump Touts a New PA Mine. But is Coal Actually Rebounding?

Reid FrazierJune 8, 2017

By all accounts, the coal industry is in a steep decline. Mines have been shutting down for about a decade. So why is one in Somerset County about to open?

EconomyPoliticsYour Environment Update

CMU Scientists Help Clairton Residents Find Out What’s In Their Air

Kara HolsoppleJune 2, 2017

A research team at Carnegie Mellon is one year into a three-year project to help people in the Pittsburgh region learn more about pollutants they’re exposed to through the air. It’s funded through the EPA’s Air Pollution Monitoring for Communities program, and it was one of only six projects funded throughout the country.

Environmental JusticeHazardous to Your HealthHealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Life Smells Better After Shenango

Julie GrantJune 1, 2017

Last year the Shenango Coke Works closed. This spring some of the people who fought it are celebrating by telling their stories of living downwind from one of the region's biggest and most visible polluters.

Environmental JusticeHazardous to Your HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Deciphering “lead free” labels at the store isn’t always easy

Rebecca WilliamsMay 25, 2017

Old pipes aren't the only way lead can get into your drinking water. The faucets and fittings and solder on the pipes inside your house can also contain lead. But if you want to replace older plumbing, it’s not always easy to find the right products at the hardware store.

HealthHidden PoisonYour Environment Update

Want to Save Monarch Butterflies? Start Planting Milkweed

The Allegheny FrontMay 17, 2017

If Monarch butterflies are going to stay off the endangered species list, they need more to eat. And it’s up to us to feed them.

WildlifeYour Environment Update

Lake Erie Hackers

Julie GrantMay 11, 2017

What happens when you challenge coders, hackers and engineers to solve Lake Erie's water problems? The ideas start flowing.

PollutionWaterYour Environment Update

Birds Breed Early to Catch Up to Climate Change

Kara HolsoppleMay 5, 2017

New research shows that in order for some early birds to catch the worm they have to breed sooner. The new behavior is an example of how birds in western Pennsylvania are adapting to climate change according to a new study from Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Climate ChangeWildlifeYour Environment Update

Standing Up for Science

Kara HolsoppleApril 19, 2017

Scientists and others will take to the streets this Saturday for the March on Science in Pittsburgh. An atmospheric chemist shares his reason for speaking out.

Climate ChangePoliticsYour Environment Update

Full Episodes

Episode for November 22, 2024

Episode for November 15, 2024

Episode for November 8, 2024

2024 Election

What Pennsylvania voters say about the environment

Longtime environmental official on Pennsylvania election results: People will need to be ‘as tenacious as the industry’

What can we expect from a Trump administration? Our reporters weigh in.

Your Environment Update