Energy & Environment
Scientists understood the physics of climate change in the 1800s, thanks to Eunice Foote | Opinion
Foote’s discovery of the high heat absorption of carbon dioxide gas led her to conclude that “… if the air had mixed with it a higher proportion of carbon dioxide than at present, an increased temperature” would result.
U.S. House passes PFAS bill regulating ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
(*This story was updated at 12:03 p.m. on Thursday, 7/22/21, to correctly note that U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-18th District, was marked ‘non-voting’ on the PFAS bill.) WASHINGTON — The U.S. House Wednesday passed bipartisan legislation that would regulate toxic chemicals found in drinking water, as well as designate two types of those toxic chemicals […]
Democrats unite around ‘climate corps’ that could employ youth
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged on Tuesday to include a Civilian Climate Corps in a $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill later this year, as a broad swath of Democrats rallied around a framework of employing thousands of young people to do conservation work. Schumer, D-N.Y., appeared with a handful of congressional Democrats, led by […]
As Congress tries to regulate ‘forever chemicals,’ local water systems push back
Local water utilities worried about getting hit with lawsuits and high cleanup costs are stepping up their lobbying of Congress as lawmakers move to regulate toxic chemicals found in drinking water.
2021-22 Budget Breakdown: Conservation, Natural Resources, Environmental Protection and Ag | The Numbers Racket
Continuing our breakdown of the 2021-22 budget approved in June, this week we dive into the numbers for the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
PFAS 101: What they are, why it matters | Five for the Weekend
These man-made chemicals are used for a variety of purposes, including making waterproof cosmetics, stain-resistant fabrics and carpeting to non-stick cookware. To summarize, they are abundant in our daily lives.
Pa. Farm Show Complex to welcome guests again starting in September
Starting this September, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg will once again start playing host to large events, officials said Thursday. The looming return of such events as sports tournaments and agricultural shows and competitions marks the end of a 16-month, pandemic-inspired hiatus that saw the sprawling building transformed into a […]
U.S. House to vote on next week on expanding PFAS regulation impacting Pa., other states, backers say
“These manufacturers that make tens of billions of dollars selling this chemical, they ought to be the ones paying for cleanup. It should not be borne by the taxpayer, anybody else,” U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said.
Western Pa. birders question state Game Commission over removal of protected species’ nests
The destruction of approximately 150 migratory bird nests from a Pennsylvania Game Commission Building in western Pennsylvania has area bird watchers concerned for the wellbeing of the protected species and dismayed with the state agency in charge of ensuring their protection. In western Pennsylvania’s Mercer County, Kim Springer has been an avid bird watcher for […]
Joining RGGI will strengthen Pennsylvania’s recovery | Opinion
Joining RGGI will lead to more facilities taking steps to improve how they manage energy use and install more efficient equipment.
With wind and solar potential, Pennsylvania should lead toward renewable future | Opinion
There are several actions that our elected officials in Harrisburg can take to lean into clean energy during the current legislative session in the state Capitol.
State regulatory board gives Pa. greenlight to join regional cap-and-trade program
This story was updated at 12:15 p.m. on 7/13/21 with additional details on the rule’s next steps. A state regulatory board has moved the commonwealth one step closer to joining a regional cap-and-trade program that would limit carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants across Pennsylvania. The state Environmental Quality Board voted 15-4 Tuesday to approve […]