Episode for February 14, 2020
What's the future of farming in Pa.? Environmentalists push for more monitoring of the petrochemical industry. A fear of winter camping turns into wonder. A final agreement with U.S. Steel to deal with air pollution.
The Allegheny Front
Episode for February 7, 2020
We head out on a hike for a different perspective on winter. Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf wants to fight climate change but this support of petrochemicals will make that harder to achieve. A new poll splits support in Pa. for a fracking ban. Plus, internal documents show the Trump administration tried to spin climate data about wildfires to promote logging.
Video: As the World Grapples with Plastic Pollution, Pa.’s Ethane Cracker Promises More Plastic
How does ethane from natural gas get turned into plastic and what could happen to all of that plastic? Our video explains.
Episode for January 31, 2020
Removing dams in the Ohio River watershed improves safety and fish habitat, but some residents aren't on board. Shipping on the Ohio River has gotten more dangerous with increased rainfall and rising rivers. Oil and gas workers are at risk from radioactive elements in fracking wastewater.
Episode for January 24, 2020
The Trump EPA ends protections for nearly a fifth of the nation's streams and half the wetlands, and proposes ending the requirement for environmental reviews and public input for all kinds of projects. Plus, what's next for air quality in Allegheny County? A look at mercury pollution in the Ohio River.
Episode for January 17, 2020
The Trump administration's policies couldn’t keep the largest privately-held coal company from bankruptcy. A new report details impacts from coal mining, while state park officials say they can't keep up with maintenance needs. Plus, living on a Lake Erie island.
Episode for January 10, 2020
A study shows thousands of lives saved from switching from coal to natural gas for power. An update on air quality in Pittsburgh and a settlement with U.S. Steel. A proposed rule by EPA would limit the kinds of scientific studies used to create environmental and public health regulations. Our Good River series about the Ohio River continues.
Episode for January 3, 2020
We revisit some of our biggest stories of 2019: 40th anniversary of the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island and links to thyroid cancer; environmental investigations involving the fracking boom; and a court order not publish the details of a sealed agreement between a gas driller and residents of Washington County. Plus, PFAS contamination of drinking water including private wells.
‘Who’s Listening?’ Series Examines Fracking in Ohio
We examined community complaints, how Ohio agencies responded and what Ohio residents are doing to protect their health and the environment.
Episode for December 27, 2019
Some of our best conservation stories of 2019: Surveying Pittsburgh rivers for a salamander important for an endangered mussel. Some hope for bats devastated by white-nose syndrome. What we know about insect die-offs. Plus, friendship in birdwatching.
