Full Episode

This week on The Allegheny Front, coal fields are fertile ground for fast growing grasses that can be used for biofuel. And a fungus is changing the behavior of infected cicadas. Plus, renewable energy is making up a larger share of energy production as aging nuclear plants are decommissioned.

President Trump visits the Shell ethane cracker to tout his energy and economic policies. The secretary of the California EPA talks about Trump's roll back of fuel efficiency standards. PFAS contamination is likely at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Climate activists take stock after a tree falls on their car. Pennsylvanians support taxing gas drillers to pay for infrastructure upgrades.

A conservation group is working to keep purple martins in our region, but loss of habitat, invasive species and now climate change threaten the bird. A pioneering mussel researcher reflects on her career trying to save this freshwater animal.  A study links fracking with anxiety and depression in pregnant women. Climate change will cause people to have to leave their homes. We have the story of two brothers.

Some hope a shutdown of an oil refinery can be an example of a just transition that benefits workers, community and environment. A new book tells the story of a clean energy pioneer trying to get wind power to where it's needed most. We fact-checked President Trump's environmental claims. The community sounds off on a clean air settlement with U.S. Steel.

Scientists are trying to learn more about unique wetlands full of carnivorous plants, rare birds and floating sphagnum moss.  A rare butterfly has found refuge at a military base. President Trump made good on a promise to fund the sandy restoration of popular beaches on Lake Erie. Plus, how to become a watershed steward.

Families with high levels of PFAS chemicals in their well water are in limbo. We look at a landfill's effort to turn trash into fuel and a Delaware River hotdog stand. Pipeline protesters no longer face trespassing charges after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. A former Obama official and Harvard law professor gives her take on Trump's environmental efforts.

We talk with a former Obama official and Harvard law professor about President Trump's Affordable Clean Energy Rule to reduce carbon emissions from the power sector, which could actually increase CO2.  We have the latest on air violations at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works and news about another polluting coke works in Erie.

An artist discusses what trees mean to her work. Citizens stepped in to protect water from fracking waste when Ohio regulators did not. Environmentalists, religious leaders, and members of indigenous communities gathered for a water rally. Parents look for deeper answers as to whether cancer cases in their community are linked to fracking.

A law in Ohio favors energy development over private property rights. A Pa. bill would offer comprehensive coverage for Lyme disease. A four-day Kiski-Conemaugh kayak trip focuses on recreation, while efforts are underway to clean up mine drainage in the watershed. News about Trump's replacement climate change plan.