Ever Hear of a Nurdle? This New Form of Pollution Could be Coming to the Ohio River

Julie GrantMay 1, 2020

Plastic pellets can escape petrochemical plants like the one Shell is building in Beaver County, Pa. Is the Ohio Valley ready?

Good RiverPollutionWater

Decision to Build Ohio Cracker Plant on Hold Due to Pandemic

Julie GrantApril 30, 2020

The decision was supposed to come this summer. The company says the project is still a "top priority."

CoronavirusEconomyEnergyThe Coming Chemical Boom

500 Construction Workers to Go Back to Work on Shell’s Ethane Cracker

Reid FrazierApril 16, 2020

State officials say part of the construction is considered an essential business, and will monitor Shell's activities.

CoronavirusEnergy

Wolf Vetoes Natural Gas Tax-Break Bill

Susan PhillipsMarch 27, 2020

Proponents say the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic should boost efforts to override the veto.

EconomyEnergyPolitics

Why Some Financial Analysts are Questioning Viability of Appalachian Plastics Hub

Julie GrantMarch 27, 2020

They cite factors like reduced demand for natural gas due to a warmer winter and decreased prices for plastic.

EconomyEnergyThe Coming Chemical Boom

Shell Suspends Construction of Beaver County Cracker Plant to Address Coronavirus Concerns

Reid FrazierMarch 18, 2020

On Tuesday, Shell said it was keeping the site open. On Wednesday, it said suspending construction was in the “best long-term interest of our workforce, nearby townships” and the state.

CoronavirusEconomyEnergy

Shell Keeps Massive Construction Site in Beaver County Site Open Despite Coronavirus Worries

Reid FrazierMarch 18, 2020

Construction sites are not part of Gov. Wolf's shutdown of non-essential businesses. Eight thousand workers are on site every day.

CoronavirusEnergyThe Coming Chemical Boom

Petrochemical Town Hall Near Pittsburgh Spotlights Pollution, Health Worries

Reid FrazierMarch 5, 2020

Also discussed were the drawbacks of a bill to give tax breaks for chemical plants like the one Shell is building in Beaver County.

EnergyHealthThe Coming Chemical Boom

Clean Water Group to Start Monitoring Near Proposed Ethane Cracker in Ohio

Julie GrantFebruary 7, 2020

Freshwater Accountability Project will collect air and water quality data near schools, and daycare and senior centers close to the site in Belmont County.

EnergyPollutionThe Coming Chemical BoomWaterYour Environment Update

Video: As the World Grapples with Plastic Pollution, Pa.’s Ethane Cracker Promises More Plastic

The Allegheny FrontFebruary 5, 2020

How does ethane from natural gas get turned into plastic and what could happen to all of that plastic? Our video explains.

EnergyThe Coming Chemical BoomVideoWater