DEP looks to add 40 staff to oversee water programs
Gov. Tom Wolf’s final budget proposal calls for a $5 million increase to the Department of Environmental Protection to hire new staff.
Rachel McDevitt
Pennsylvania asks for input on PFAS drinking water rule
PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals used to make water-, heat- and stain-resistant things like non-stick cookware and carpets.
Pennsylvania led gas-producing states in growth in 2021
A new report credits the increase to unusually high gas prices in the second half of the year.
Penn State researchers aim to debunk myths surrounding spotted lanternfly
One myth: The pest threatens all kinds of plants. But, it appears to only kill grapevines and Tree of Heaven, also an invasive species.
Fears of Harm from Solar Panels Disproven by Science
Solar energy is on the rise in Pennsylvania. Fears of toxic metals and higher temperatures from solar panels have been disproven by science.
Join StateImpact Pennsylvania’s Rachel McDevitt in her texting club about climate change
Sign up for Rachel's text club to learn more about climate change and to send her your questions.
Pennsylvania could get $100M in federal money to plug leaky, old gas wells
There are nearly 27,000 known abandoned wells in Pennsylvania, but estimates put the total at 200,000. These wells are a source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Analysts forecast rise in oil and gas impact fees after prices rose in 2021
Gas drillers are expected to pay about $234 million dollars in impact fees for 2021, nearly $90 million more than 2020, and potentially the highest payout ever.
Legislation pits two climate efforts — solar energy and plugging abandoned gas wells — against each other
The GOP-backed bill would require the state to sell credits created by government-owned renewable energy projects and use the money to plug abandoned oil and gas wells.
Wolf administration gives $2.7M to cleaner transportation projects, including ones powered by fossil fuels
The projects replace gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles with ones that run on cleaner fuels, which can be fossil fuel-based. Enviro group calls the program "antiquated."
