Ex-Pennsylvania DEP secretary: Agency’s underfunding will test its new leader

Rachel McDevittJanuary 20, 2023

Despite some recent increases in its budget, DEP has been constrained by a decade of underfunding.

Politics

Pa. sets drinking water standards on two ‘forever chemical’ PFAS compounds

Susan PhillipsJanuary 20, 2023

The standards impact public and private drinking water treatment plants, bottled water plants, and school and healthcare facilities.

PollutionWater

Pa. natural gas plant explosion under investigation in Washington County

Reid FrazierJanuary 13, 2023

The Christmas Day explosion at Energy Transfer's Revolution Cryo plant caused a fire to burn for most of the day, venting gases and flames.

EnergyPollution

Lancaster nonprofit launches local carbon credit program

Rachel McDevittJanuary 6, 2023

It aims to give people and businesses a way to take responsibility for their greenhouse gas emissions while helping their neighbors.

Climate Change

Postal Service commits to 100 percent electric vehicle replacement beginning in 2026

Susan PhillipsJanuary 6, 2023

After facing lawsuits from states including Pa., the U.S. Postal Service will have one of the largest electric vehicle fleets in the nation.  

Climate ChangeTransportation

Groups, residents want EPA to protect Mon Valley from ‘unacceptably high’ levels of benzene pollution from U.S. Steel

Reid FrazierJanuary 4, 2023

Benzene, a known carcinogen, threatens ‘imminent danger’ to residents, the groups argue in a letter to EPA. They want action under the Clean Air Act.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

In Pa., climate change can increase flooding risk. This community is seeking solutions

Rachel McDevittDecember 30, 2022

In Middletown, Pa., flooding is happening where it never happened before. Now, it's looking for answers. One solution could be in Iowa.

Climate ChangeWater

The race is on (again) to build out a low-carbon hydrogen economy

Reid FrazierDecember 30, 2022

Companies in Appalachia are hoping federal funds will help develop 'blue' hydrogen power made from natural gas. But will it reduce carbon emissions enough?

Climate ChangeEconomy

Western Pa. contractor fined $600K for illegal dumping of oil and gas waste

Reid FrazierDecember 15, 2022

The waste hauler illegally dumped solid waste from pipeline projects at five sites in Fayette County. DEP found no risk of harm to the public or the environment.

EnergyPollution

Shell air pollution soars during startup of Beaver County cracker plant

Reid FrazierDecember 15, 2022

DEP issued a notice of violation to Shell for exceeding its limit for volatile organic compounds. The pollution was a result of flaring while it was starting up its ethane cracker.

EnergyPollution