U.S. Steel reaches tentative settlement with Allegheny County, groups over air pollution following 2018 fire

Reid FrazierMarch 29, 2023

The federal lawsuit had asked for $42 million fine for U.S. Steel under the Clean Air Act. The fire knocked out pollution controls for more than 100 days.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Former EPA official calls agency’s response in East Palestine too weak

Reid FrazierMarch 24, 2023

Judith Enck says U.S. EPA is deferring too much to Ohio agencies, which don't have enough expertise and experience in dealing with chemical emergencies.

PollutionTransportationYour Environment Update

Spring arrived early for some this year. And it’s complicated

Kara HolsoppleMarch 16, 2023

Climate change is making record-breaking early springs more likely. There are downsides and some upsides, too.

Climate ChangeConservationYour Environment Update

Oak trees take center stage at a federal courthouse

Julie GrantMarch 9, 2023

An environmental group is suing to stop the U.S. Forest Service from moving forward with a project that would clear-cut 1600 acres in the Wayne National Forest

ConservationYour Environment Update

A Pa. Supreme Court decision says groups that appeal environmental permits can recoup legal fees from companies

Kara HolsoppleMarch 3, 2023

Appealing environmental permits is expensive. The decision can make it more cost-effective.

EnergyYour Environment Update

Activists look to outside researchers for answers on soil and water safety in East Palestine

Kara HolsoppleFebruary 24, 2023

We spoke with River Valley Organizing, an East Liverpool, Ohio nonprofit, about its effort to secure independent soil and water testing.

HealthTransportationWaterYour Environment Update

An environmental leader’s new memoir is inspired by the life and work of Rachel Carson

Kara HolsoppleFebruary 16, 2023

Patricia DeMarco's story reveals the strength found in adversity, purpose and the feeling of being at one with nature.

CultureYour Environment Update

Residents allowed back home near Ohio train derailment after air declared safe

Julie GrantFebruary 8, 2023

Residents were evacuated because of a 50-car train derailment that happened late Friday night near the Pennsylvania border.

PollutionTransportationWaterYour Environment Update

‘Advanced’ plastic recycling using high heat and chemicals is environmentally problematic, a new government study finds

James BruggersFebruary 1, 2023

Industry is pursuing various technologies to recycle plastic, but environmentalists say they only worsen environmental problems.

PollutionYour Environment Update

Test your home (or school) for radon to reduce lung cancer risk

Kara HolsoppleJanuary 26, 2023

Many Pennsylvanians are unknowingly exposed to the radioactive gas in their homes, but there’s something they can do about it.

HealthYour Environment Update