Pa. Senate confirms Negrin to be DEP secretary Rachel McDevittJune 30, 2023 The state Senate confirmed Gov. Josh Shapiro’s pick to oversee the commonwealth’s environmental issues on Tuesday. Politics
Republican lawmakers want to change the name of the Department of Environmental Protection. Rachel McDevittJune 23, 2023 Republican lawmakers want to change the name of the agency to the "Department of Environmental Services." They say DEP needs a culture change. Politics
Bill to raise fines for illegal eagle killings passes PA Senate WDIYJune 23, 2023 The legislation would increase the state fine for killing a bald or golden eagle from $200 to $2,000. ConservationPolitics
Safety, oversight concerns raised as Pa. lawmakers pursue billions for hydrogen hubs Spotlight PAJune 23, 2023 Some lawmakers and environmentalists fear the state isn’t prepared to take on oversight for capturing carbon and storing it deep underground. Climate ChangeEnergyPolitics
PWSA receives $52.4M EPA loan to continue drinking water system improvements Jillian ForstadtJune 9, 2023 The EPA loan came through the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, which aims to modernize aging treatment systems. EconomyEnvironmental JusticePoliticsPollutionWater
Mon Valley leaders have $5M in U.S. Steel fines to spend, but little has gone to public health Jillian ForstadtJune 2, 2023 So far, funds have gone for things like snowplows, street lights and ballfields, with only 7 percent for public health or environmental projects. HealthPoliticsPollution
PA lawmakers examine cryptocurrency’s energy waste Rachel McDevittMay 19, 2023 State lawmakers are looking into the effects cryptocurrency has on the climate, as the process of generating digital currency saps energy. EnergyPolitics
New research supports Pennsylvania’s inclusion in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Inside Climate NewsMay 15, 2023 By joining RGGI, Pennsylvania could speed its pace in cutting carbon emissions, raise new revenue and boost the use of renewable fuel. Climate ChangeEnergyPoliticsPollution
Pa. Democrats control the state House. The new energy committee chair says he’ll look for bipartisan agreement Rachel McDevittApril 14, 2023 State Rep. Greg Vitali is interested in neighborhood-scale solar projects and electric vehicle infrastructure, and will push for more staffing at the DEP. Politics
Pa. environmental protection head pitches permit reform during budget hearing Rachel McDevittMarch 27, 2023 Acting Secretary Richard Negrin wants to add 30 staffers, create a “rapid response” team, and help applicants submit the correct paperwork. Politics