Lawmakers move to block Pennsylvania from climate program, offer federal money instead

Rachel McDevittApril 1, 2022

The bill would give $250M in federal COVID money for emissions reduction programs. But RGGI could bring in as much as $700M a year if Pa. joins.

Climate ChangePolitics

Pennsylvania lawmakers push pro-fossil fuel bills, citing Russia’s war and energy security

Rachel McDevittMarch 30, 2022

A slate of bills aimed at boosting the natural gas industry under the claim of energy security has passed a committee in the Pa. House.

Climate ChangeEnergy

DEP looks to add 40 staff to oversee water programs

Rachel McDevittMarch 23, 2022

Gov. Tom Wolf’s final budget proposal calls for a $5 million increase to the Department of Environmental Protection to hire new staff.

PoliticsWater

Pennsylvania asks for input on PFAS drinking water rule

Rachel McDevittMarch 18, 2022

PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals used to make water-, heat- and stain-resistant things like non-stick cookware and carpets.

PollutionWater

Pennsylvania led gas-producing states in growth in 2021

Rachel McDevittFebruary 23, 2022

A new report credits the increase to unusually high gas prices in the second half of the year.

Energy

Penn State researchers aim to debunk myths surrounding spotted lanternfly

Rachel McDevittFebruary 11, 2022

One myth: The pest threatens all kinds of plants. But, it appears to only kill grapevines and Tree of Heaven, also an invasive species.

Conservation

Fears of Harm from Solar Panels Disproven by Science

Rachel McDevittFebruary 4, 2022

Solar energy is on the rise in Pennsylvania. Fears of toxic metals and higher temperatures from solar panels have been disproven by science.

EnergyHealth

Join StateImpact Pennsylvania’s Rachel McDevitt in her texting club about climate change

Rachel McDevittFebruary 4, 2022

Sign up for Rachel's text club to learn more about climate change and to send her your questions.

Climate Change

Pennsylvania could get $100M in federal money to plug leaky, old gas wells

Rachel McDevittFebruary 3, 2022

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.

Climate ChangeEnergy

Analysts forecast rise in oil and gas impact fees after prices rose in 2021

Rachel McDevittJanuary 28, 2022

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.

EconomyEnergy