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A GeoHealth study reveals census tracts with high Hispanic and Latino populations accounted for 40% of 73,000 childhood asthma cases. (Hihitetlin/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

Study: PA ranks high for health impacts of oil and gas flaring emissions

A new study raised red flags about respiratory health in Pennsylvania, particularly for those living near oil and gas activity. The study by …

Vital habitats for plants and animals classified as being of special concern would be obliterated if the York Energy Storage project is approved. Cuffs Run, home to naturally reproducing brook trout, would be devastated. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation/B.J. Small)

CBF takes legal action to stop hydroelectric facility for Cuffs Run

A proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric facility for Cuffs Run near the Susquehanna River in York County has been challenged by the Chesapeake Bay Fou…

Making a big push to reduce pollution by 2030 is expected to create jobs spread across many industries, from building wind turbines and electric cars to cleaning up abandoned oil wells and developing new technologies. (Rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Advocates back tougher EPA emissions rules for cars, trucks

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from …

A Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership survey found 92% of Pennsylvania sportsmen and women support designating streams for protections when they meet the right criteria. (Adobe Stock)

A push to update PA stream designations for wild trout protection

Pennsylvania's wild trout streams are getting some much-needed attention and outdoor enthusiasts across the state can voice their views on safeguardin…

Fuel switching to hydrogen for high-temperature processes is a significant decarbonization lever and is applied to 60% of emissions after efficiency by 2050, according to a report from Strategen Consulting. (Antony Weerut/Adobe Stock)

Report: A roadmap for industrial decarbonization in PA

Pennsylvania is a major source of greenhouse gas pollution in the U.S. A new study has identified a path for its industries to reduce their …

Last year, the Biden-Harris administration announced $196 million in grants for 37 pipeline modernization projects in 19 states, including Pennsylvania. (MaxSafaniuk/Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates push for swift update of gas pipeline safety rules

Pennsylvania environmental groups want to see a new rule implemented to improve the detection and repair of leaks from gas pipelines. The Keystone …

Chesapeake Bay Foundation educators, with students on a field trip, explore the Susquehanna River at City Island. The Capitol building is in the background. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

PA students gain hands-on experience in watershed conservation

It is almost time for some Pennsylvania students to get out of the classroom and into a canoe. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania Rivers …

The American Climate Corps will reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change across the country. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Climate Corps could open doors to job opportunities in Appalachian PA

The American Climate Corps seeks to create 20,000 jobs related to conservation, climate issues and clean energy. The program originated by the Biden …

In the past, Beaver County was home to a heavy steel industry. However, with the decline of steel, newer small manufacturing and service industries are locating in the area. (Digitalwhiz/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Report: Shell Petrochemicals plant didn't save Appalachia with plastics

A new report says two economic-impact studies gave misleading information to Pennsylvania policymakers and residents about the economic advantages of …

More than 250 volunteers planted 500 trees on a Pennsylvania farm, helping to reduce the effects of climate change. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

PA to plant 10 million trees to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is helping to get Pennsylvania on track for its 2025 Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals. So far…

In addition to funding for community redevelopment, developers who construct new infrastructure in defined energy communities may receive an additional 10% bonus from the Inflation Reduction Act. (Creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Report examines private-equity power plants, growing risks for communities

Pennsylvania communities could be hit hard by rising financial uncertainty in the country's biggest electricity market, according to three new …

Pennsylvanians can help save the Chesapeake Bay by using native grasses or other plants that don't require watering or fertilizing. This will help reduce or eliminate use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Chesapeake Bay cleanup priorities for 2024

Pennsylvania waterways are drowning in pollution, with over 28,000 miles impaired according to the state. And cleanup is once again going to be a …

The Environmental Protection Agency's new methane rule requires well owners and operators to monitor flares and other combustion control devices during routine leak-monitoring surveys. (Joy666/Adobe Stock)

New EPA methane rule would reduce emissions at PA oil, gas wells

Pennsylvania environmental groups said the Environmental Protection Agency is making a bold move in tackling methane leaks in oil and gas production…

Pittston is one of 56 projects in 37 counties which were selected to expand access to reliability of EV charging in Pennsylvania. (Kevin McGovern/Adobe Stock)<br />

EV companies call for expanded heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure

Clean-energy companies and supporters are calling on federal officials to prioritize the development of charging infrastructure for EV powered medium …

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environment, joining RGGI will lower Pennsylvania's CO2 emissions by between 97 million and 225 million tons by 2030. (Lee/AdobeStock)

Commonwealth Court denies PA attempts to join RGGI

In a significant setback for environmental efforts in Pennsylvania, a state court recently ruled that a program designed to reduce air pollution from …

Around 80% of voters, regardless of political affiliation, believe preventing cruelty to animals is a matter of personal moral concern, according to a Data for Progress poll. (Adobe Stock)

Local meat producers in PA rally against EATS Act

Advocates for locally controlled family farms in Pennsylvania say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill would gut states' ability to regulate the…

The Biden administration is funding seven regional hydrogen hubs. Two will have facilities or pipelines in Pennsylvania. (AddMeshCube/Adobestock)

Clean energy groups blast PA hydrogen hubs plan

Pennsylvania is set to host two regional hydrogen power-generation hubs and experts on clean energy are speaking out against one of them, arguing it …

The Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint has set a deadline for watershed states to have pollution-reduction practices in place by 2025. (flownaksala/AdobeStock)

Halfmoon, Pequea Creek restoration project aims to restore watershed health

Pennsylvania has received more than $3 million in federal funding for watershed restoration projects. Conservation groups say it will help the state …

An Environmental Defense Fund analysis revealed a shift to electric vehicles could cut more than 800 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year by 2040. (VisualArtStudio/Adobe Stock)

More PA motorists make the switch to electric vehicles

A Pennsylvania environmental group is touting electric vehicles as both cost-effective for drivers and a means to address climate change. Keystone …

One recent model ranks Central Pennsylvania eighth among 10 states with the

Poll: PA voters want stronger limits on methane emissions

A new poll shows Pennsylvania voters are concerned about the environment and support the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to limit methane em…

Pennsylvania has taken some action to keep yard waste out of landfills. According to the U.S. Composting Council, 17 states have yard debris bans in place. (Nico Vincentini/Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvanians encouraged to 'leave the leaves' for vital wildlife habitat

Fall leaves on the lawn might seem like a nuisance, but they actually play an important role for the environment. A new survey from the National …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act provide investments to accelerate the development of and market for zero-emission technology. (Halfpoint/AdobeStock)

Elected officials advocate for EPA’s clean-car standards, transition to EVs

With the United Auto Workers still on strike, elected officials argue that it's important for the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed clean-…

Environmental Protection Agency data show the transportation sector accounts for 29% of greenhouse-gas emissions, the largest and fastest growing source in the United States. (VanderWolf/Adobe Stock)

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Pennsylvania governments could save taxpayers millions and reduce pollution by transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles, according to findings …

A recent economic impact study reveals that more than 123,000 people are employed full- and part-time at iron and steel mills in ferroalloy manufacturing in the Keystone State. (otmman/AdobeStock)

More Time to Comment on EPA Blast Furnace Rules

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Pennsylvania haven't been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

A recent report found more than 400 jobs have been created in the Keystone State since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more than $190 million in investments have been made in clean-energy projects. (Anatoliy_gleb/AdobeStock)

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

It has been one year since the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act became law, and Pennsylvania is seeing and using some of the funding…

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection estimates the average cost of plugging one well to be around $33,000. (onyx124/AdobeStock)

Federal Dollars Could Connect PA Unions to Orphaned Well Clean-Up

Congress allocated billions of dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug orphaned well sites across the country, and Pennsylvania is one …

Pennsylvania is working to reduce its net greenhouse-gas emissions 26% by 2025. One strategy is to replace 25% of the state passenger car fleet with battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars. (Michael Flippo/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Interest for EVs Grows in PA

Car prices are dropping, both for gas-powered and electric vehicles. So, are more Pennsylvanians planning to buy EVs? A report by iSeeCars found …

A new report showed 35,515 megawatts of combined cycle gas capacity have been built in the 13-state PJM Interconnection system since 2011. (creativenature.nl/AdobeStock)<br />

Report Examines Private Equity Power Plants in PJM, Growing Financial Risks

A new report found Pennsylvania communities could be negatively affected by the increasing financial risk in the nation's largest electricity market…

In addition to intermodal traffic, freight railroads in Pennsylvania move raw materials, such as coal, crude oil, nonmetallic minerals, agricultural products and finished automobiles. (William A. Morgan/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Train-Derailment Relief Funds Sent to Rural PA Communities

In Western Pennsylvania, communities are continuing to reel from the Norfolk Southern derailment nearly six months ago, but the railroad recently has …

With 52,000 farms and 7.3 million acres of farmland, agriculture is a big business in Pennsylvania, accounting for approximately $83.8 billion in direct economic output and 280,500 jobs. (Kegfire/AdobeStock)

Farmer Education Bill to Tackle Impacts of Climate Change in PA

New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing …

Impervious surfaces in urban areas are a major hydrologic alteration contributing to increased stormwater runoff and pollutant loading during rainfall and snowmelt events. (Soupstock/AdobeStock)

CBF Amicus Brief Urging Reversal of Stormwater Fee Decision

In Pennsylvania, environmental advocacy groups are awaiting the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision which could affect the future of Commonwealth-…

The proposed standards would provide important benefits to communities near major roadways, where people of color and people with low income are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from vehicles. (Nady/AdobeStock)

Proposed Vehicle Emissions Standards Designed to Cut Pollution, Improve Health in PA

In Pennsylvania and across the country, cleaner cars and lower emissions are the goals of the Environmental Protection Agency proposal, recommending …

Pennsylvania's marketed natural-gas production, primarily from the Marcellus Shale, reached a record 7.6 trillion cubic feet in 2021, and the state is the nation's second-largest natural-gas producer after Texas. (Toppybaker/AdobeStock)

Report: Oil and Gas Air Pollution Effects Health of Pennsylvanians

A new study sheds light on the urgent need for policies to reduce emissions from U.S. oil and gas production, showing the public health effects are …

Based on a separate analysis, EPA is projecting its proposed standards for existing gas-fired plants and the third phase of the NSPS could reduce up to 407 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. (Erik Bergin Photos/Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Support New EPA Standards for Coal, Gas Plants

More groups are getting on board, including in Pennsylvania, to support the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal for tougher new carbon …

Researchers reported coal-tar sealant runoff is lethal to juvenile Coho salmon and causes a wide spectrum of abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. (B.J. Small/Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Some Driveway Sealants Have Health, Environment Risks

Sealing driveways and parking lots may seem like routine maintenance for homeowners, but recent studies raise concerns about the potential health …

In 2020, nearly 3.4 million people, or about 26% of Pennsylvania's 13 million residents, lived in 48 rural counties in the Keystone State. (Gary L Hider/Adobe Stock)

Rural PA Mayor Puts Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds to Work

A small Pennsylvania community is hoping Congress will remember the needs of rural areas as lawmakers negotiate the final, contentious debt ceiling …

There used to be twice as many marshes and wetlands in Pennsylvania as there are today, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (Christina Saymansky/Adobe Stock)

Court Opts to Protect Private-Property Rights Over Wetlands

From conservation to sportsmen's groups, the U.S. Supreme Court is getting plenty of backlash over its most recent ruling, which weakens federal …

A new report predicts up to 639 premature deaths from respiratory illnesses would be prevented in Pennsylvania due to emission reductions resulting directly from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Erik Bergen Photos/Adobe Stock)

New Report: Impact for PA to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

A new report analyzed the potential impact of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative on Pennsylvania emissions, power generation, revenue, and jobs…

Volunteers with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary place numbered tags on freshwater mussels so they can be tracked in the Delaware River. (Photo courtesy Partnership for the Delaware Estuary)

Restoring Freshwater Mussels to Improve Delaware River

By Katherine Rapin for Yale Environment 360.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journal…

The Philadelphia Public School District purchased its first five electric school buses in 2022 and says it plans to expand its fleet this year to reduce its carbon footprint. (Viktoriia/Adobe Stock)

More PA Districts Look to Upgrade School Buses with EPA Grants

School districts in Pennsylvania and across the country can apply for grant funding to get new buses that run on cleaner fuel sources. There's $400 …

The Spotted lanternfly is native to China and was first spotted in Pennsylvania in September 2014. They are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. (ondreicka/Adobe Stock)<br />

USDA Warns Pennsylvanians to Protect Plants from Invasive Pests

April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is warning Pennsylvanians that it's the best time of …

Three-fourths of the coal consumed in Pennsylvania is burned for electricity generation, and the rest is used for steelmaking and other industrial applications. (Gary/AdobeStock)

Report: 'Green Steel' Would Reduce Carbon Emissions, Add Jobs

A new report reveals that the Keystone State steel industry has the potential to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions by making a switch to "green ste…

The Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint calls for Pennsylvania to reduce nitrogen runoff by 40% by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Agrees to Settlement in Chesapeake Bay Pollution Lawsuit

The Environmental Protection Agency has reached a tentative settlement in a lawsuit over the agency's failure to make Pennsylvania abide by the same c…

One of Pittsburgh's building efficiency goals is to reduce energy and water consumption by 50% by 2030, according to the city's Climate Action Plan. (Checubus/Adobe Stock)

Pittsburgh Plans for Climate Goal with Priority-Based Budgeting

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

In Pennsylvania, both the number of coal mines and amount of coal production have declined as less electricity has been generated from coal, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Adobe Stock)

PA's Homer City Coal Plant to Retire in July

The Keystone State's largest coal-burning power plant is set to begin decommissioning on July 1. Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter Director Thomas …

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 4% of Pennsylvania's electricity was generated from renewable-energy sources in 2020. (Stuart Monk/AdobeStock)

Expert: Dirty Energy Poses Health Risks to Children, Switching to Clean Energy Can Help

April is Earth Month, a time to raise environmental awareness worldwide. In Pennsylvania, a nonpartisan group called Science Moms wants families to …

Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) recently announced her plans to reintroduce legislation for SB144 to declare PFAS used in firefighting foams, as

EPA Takes Public Input on Proposal to Clean Up PA Drinking Water

The U.S. EPA is hosting a webinar this week on its proposed new drinking water regulations. The Agency has just announced plans to limit harmful …

The Keystone State is a leading East Coast supplier of natural gas, coal, refined petroleum products and electricity to the nation. (vencav/Adobe Stock)

Report: Fossil Fuels "Unreliable" During Deep Freeze

A new report found forced power outages in this winter's extreme weather only added to "unreliability" in the fossil-fuel sector. The PJM …

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PA: Environment