StateImpact Archives

Trump’s Energy Secretary Questions Mainstream Science on Human Impacts of Climate Change

Reid Frazier·September 22, 2020

"What is the exact impact that we’re having? That has not been resolved." Scientists say that doesn't have a "scientific leg to stand on."

Climate Change The Coming Chemical Boom

Homer City power plant in Indiana County, Pennsylvania generated enough electricity in 2014 to power a million homes. Photo: Reid Frazier

Oversight Board Approves Pennsylvania’s Attempt to Join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Rachel McDevitt·September 17, 2020

A environmental oversight board gave the go-ahead for draft regulations for Pa. to join the cap-and-trade program.

Climate Change Energy

$fracking gas well$

Natural Gas Production in Pennsylvania Hits Record High

Rachel McDevitt·September 15, 2020

The volume of gas hit at a record high in 2019, while the number of new gas wells was down from its peak in 2014.

Energy

Bill to Keep Pa. Out of Regional Cap-and-Trade Program Passes, Faces Governor’s Veto

Rachel McDevitt·September 10, 2020

DEP estimates the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative would prevent 180 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2030, and bring in $300 million.

Climate Change Energy

For Now, Latest Federal Rollback of Coal Regs Won’t Affect PA Plants

Reid Frazier·September 4, 2020

The Trump administration's rollback exempts some coal-fired power plants from Obama-era rules for wastewater containing toxins like mercury, arsenic and selenium.

Energy Pollution Water

The Black Lung Disease Epidemic that ‘Shouldn’t Have Happened’

Reid Frazier·September 4, 2020

An NPR investigation into the regulatory failures — and the human costs, including to Pennsylvania miners — of a disease that has been described as "suffocating while alive."

Economy Energy Health

Community Solar Proposal Getting Bipartisan Support in Legislature

Rachel McDevitt·September 3, 2020

Community solar projects are larger than home rooftop panels, but smaller than utility-scale grids. Subscribers use the energy that's generated and get a credit on their electricity bills.

Energy Politics

Cheswick Generating Station coal-fired power plant

Federal Judges Throw Out ‘Gaping Loophole’ in PA’s Coal Pollution Plan

Reid Frazier·August 28, 2020

Coal plants could lower operating temperatures to ‘evade’ stringent limits on nitrogen oxides that contribute to smog. DEP has two years to come up with a new plan.

Energy Pollution

Sunoco asks Environmental Hearing Board to Block New DEP Shutdown of Mariner East Drilling Site

Susan Phillips·August 26, 2020

A judge temporarily allows construction to continue at the troubled Chester County site, pending a hearing scheduled for Sept. 1.

Energy Follow the Pipeline

$fracking image$

DEP Fines CNX for Well Failure Near Westmoreland County Reservoir

Reid Frazier·August 21, 2020

The natural gas well is near the Beaver Run Reservoir, which provides drinking water for 130,000 people. Water quality was not affected.

Energy Water

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Trump on Earth

Solar savings for Clairton, other Pa. schools at risk from proposed federal cuts

Pa. solar installers say GOP’s U.S. House tax bill is a ‘disaster’ for business

Allegheny National Forest will increase logging by millions of board feet this year

StateImpact