Rachel McDevitt, Author at The Allegheny Front

Rowers in a river underneath a yellow bridge.

Supreme Court ruling could affect pollution entering Pennsylvania waters

Rachel McDevitt·March 28, 2025

The Supreme Court agreed with San Francisco that the Clean Water Act allows the EPA to impose specific limits on pollutants but not to hold permit holders responsible for the overall quality of the water that receives the discharge.

Pollution Water

A river waterway with an arched bridge in the distance

3 new eastern Pennsylvania parks expected to draw tourists

Rachel McDevitt·March 6, 2025

More improvements are on the horizon for yet-to-be named state parks that include hiking trails, water access and a station on the Underground Railroad.

Conservation Culture Recreation Wild Pennsylvania

A flock of geese take to flight from a waterbody at sunset.

Migratory birds mainly responsible for bird flu outbreak, experts tell Pa. lawmakers

Rachel McDevitt·March 5, 2025

Past avian flu outbreaks were mainly spread by birds on farms. But now, it’s wild birds that are responsible for the spread of the flu.

Conservation News Wildlife

Pa. schools can apply for state aid to install solar energy, save money

Rachel McDevitt·January 3, 2025

The Solar for Schools grant program will cover up to half the project cost of installing solar for schools and community colleges. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2025.

Climate Change Energy

How to save energy and make your home more comfortable this winter

Rachel McDevitt·December 17, 2024

We have tips to save energy around the house and links to tax credits and rebates to make upgrades.

Economy Energy

black and while cows looking over a concrete barrier.

More than $40M heading to Pennsylvania farms to increase climate resilience

Rachel McDevitt·December 4, 2024

Climate-smart practices include planting trees alongside croplands, managing fertilizer use and reducing emissions from livestock and manure.

Climate Change Food and Agriculture

Pennsylvania sees record wildfires this fall

Rachel McDevitt·November 29, 2024

So far this year, 671 fires have burned more than 1,900 acres in Pennsylvania. DCNR says 99% of wildfires are caused by people, often through burning trash or yard debris.

Climate Change Wild Pennsylvania

Pa. communities start to see impact of federal climate spending, as election casts doubt on programs’ futures

Rachel McDevitt·October 31, 2024

More than $5.6 billion in federal funds have been awarded to hundreds of projects across the state. Republicans want to repeal climate funding.

2024 Election Climate Change Transportation

Cylinder-shaped white turbines in an industrial room with metal scaffolding

Nuclear boosters, skeptics eyeing Three Mile Island restart

Rachel McDevitt·October 22, 2024

Labor, training and inspections are just some of the variables as TMI prepares to go back online, something no other nuclear plant has done after shutting down.

Economy Energy

Pa. didn’t plan for the end of coal. This community is trying to find a way forward.

Rachel McDevitt·October 18, 2024

After the Homer City coal-fired power plant closed last year, residents of the Indiana County community are trying to make a go of tourism by cleaning up its legacy pollution.

Economy Energy Pollution Recreation Water

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Trump on Earth

EPA terminates $15M climate justice grant to Pittsburgh and Philly non-profits

Map shows what’s possible with federal clean energy investment in Pa.

Trump’s 2-year reprieve gives coal plants ‘a free pass to pollute’

Rachel McDevitt