PA lawmakers examine cryptocurrency’s energy waste

Rachel McDevittMay 19, 2023

State lawmakers are looking into the effects cryptocurrency has on the climate, as the process of generating digital currency saps energy.

EnergyPolitics

New research supports Pennsylvania’s inclusion in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Inside Climate NewsMay 15, 2023

By joining RGGI, Pennsylvania could speed its pace in cutting carbon emissions, raise new revenue and boost the use of renewable fuel.

Climate ChangeEnergyPoliticsPollution

Pa. Democrats control the state House. The new energy committee chair says he’ll look for bipartisan agreement

Rachel McDevittApril 14, 2023

State Rep. Greg Vitali is interested in neighborhood-scale solar projects and electric vehicle infrastructure, and will push for more staffing at the DEP.

Politics

Pa. environmental protection head pitches permit reform during budget hearing

Rachel McDevittMarch 27, 2023

Acting Secretary Richard Negrin wants to add 30 staffers, create a “rapid response” team, and help applicants submit the correct paperwork.

Politics

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal includes Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Rachel McDevittMarch 8, 2023

The proposed budget assumes Pennsylvania will charge power plants for carbon dioxide pollution, raising more than $600 million in the next year. 

Climate ChangePolitics

New bill would lower threshold for labeling trains ‘high-hazard’

Oliver MorrisonFebruary 28, 2023

The bill would also require high-hazard trains to travel at slower speeds in newer cars, with better braking equipment and additional reporting requirements.

PoliticsPollutionTransportation

Pa. leaders begin to piece together what happened after East Palestine derailment

Oliver MorrisonFebruary 24, 2023

A dozen residents testified under oath about how dramatically the accident had altered their lives. Norfolk Southern's CEO was a no-show.

PoliticsTransportation

Ex-Pennsylvania DEP secretary: Agency’s underfunding will test its new leader

Rachel McDevittJanuary 20, 2023

Despite some recent increases in its budget, DEP has been constrained by a decade of underfunding.

Politics

Federal spending bill includes long-term cleanup of streams polluted by abandoned mines

Julie GrantDecember 23, 2022

The bill addresses an issue with last year's Infrastructure Law which limited how states spend $11.3 billion for mine cleanups.

EnergyPoliticsPollutionWater

Ohio bill to spur fracking in state parks and forests heads to governor’s office

Julie GrantDecember 16, 2022

The bill has raised fears that Ohio agencies will be required to lease state-owned parks, forests, preserves and universities to fracking.

ConservationEnergyPoliticsYour Environment Update