Shell’s environmental permit finds support and opposition at DEP hearing
Pennsylvania regulators gathered public comments in Beaver County about a new permit for the Shell ethane cracker.
air pollution
Study finds link between air pollution and lung cancer rates
When researchers took smoking out of the equation, lung cancer rates dropped much more than in counties with cleaner air.
DEP mulls proposed Shell cracker permit with higher emission limits
The permit allows for higher pollution levels for emissions like nitrogen oxides–because updated federal regulations require new flaring technologies.
Allegheny County health board considers fracking impacts
Health experts plan to make recommendations on fracking’s “toxic” effect on communities.
Trump adminstration rolls back mercury rules for coal-fired power plants
The standard for mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants will revert back to a 2012 standard.
Study: Air pollution in Pittsburgh region responsible for 3,500 deaths in 2019
Even thought the region’s air has started to come into compliance with federal clean air standards, it still ranks among the country’s dirtiest.
EPA decision could lead to reversal of clean air gains
In January, the EPA announced the economic value of human health benefits will no longer be a factor in air pollution regulations for soot and smog.
Research projects look at health of humans and dogs in East Palestine, 3 years after the train derailment
Long term liver health, how chemicals affect dogs, sharing lessons learned with other disasters and environmental justice are all areas of research since 2023.
Pa. environmental groups appeal permit for massive gas power plant meant to fuel data center
The proposed 4.4 gigawatt gas-fired plant would generate enough power for more than 3 million homes and emit more greenhouse gases each year than all the cars on Pennsylvania’s roads.
Trump reverses course on coke oven rule for toxic air pollution, granting 2-year waivers to comply
U.S. Steel applauds the move while environmental groups say it puts the health of communities near coke plants at risk.
