StateImpact Archives

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

Reid Frazier·March 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.

Health Pollution Your Environment Update

Pa. environmental protection head pitches permit reform during budget hearing

Rachel McDevitt·March 27, 2023

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

Politics

More flaring at Shell’s Beaver County plant after compressor problem

Reid Frazier·March 15, 2023

One resident said it looked like "the sky is on fire.” Flaring could last for several more days.

Energy Pollution The Coming Chemical Boom

Clairton Coke Works, near Pittsburgh, is Allegheny County's largest single source of particle pollution. Photo: Reid R. Frazier

U.S. Steel closing 3 coke batteries at its Clairton plant. Move is expected to lower emissions

Reid Frazier·March 14, 2023

U.S. Steel will begin closing three of its 10 remaining coke batteries at its Clairton plant later this month. It is expected to cut emissions by 15 to 20 percent.

Pollution

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

Rachel McDevitt·March 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 Change Politics

Electric grid reliability is questioned by Pennsylvania lawmakers

Rachel McDevitt·March 7, 2023

When a winter storm hit around Christmas, natural gas and coal power plants failed to respond when called up, causing outages in Pennsylvania.

Climate Change Energy

Map of U.S. showing percentage of energy coming from renewables

Pennsylvania ranks near bottom of states in renewable energy generation

Rachel McDevitt·March 7, 2023

Federal data show Pennsylvania is 45th in the U.S. in energy production from wind, solar, and hydropower, with only 3% coming from renewables.

Energy

A massive tower of flames with black smoke as seen from afar

In western Pa., Shell flares burn bright after equipment malfunction at ethane cracker

Reid Frazier·February 14, 2023

Shell says its Beaver County plant suffered an equipment malfunction. It has had air pollution problems since opening in November.

Energy Pollution

Pa. drillers abandoned thousands of natural gas wells in 5 years, ignored state law, report says

Rachel McDevitt·February 10, 2023

The state found the conventional oil and gas industry abandoned 3,000 wells, violating state law and leaving taxpayers on the hook for cleanup.

Energy

Interior Secretary visits Pittsburgh area home to tout Biden abandoned well money

Reid Frazier·February 9, 2023

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law sets aside $4.7 billion to clean up the country's 2 million abandoned wells. Pennsylvania has more than any other state.

Climate Change Energy

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StateImpact