Philadelphia-area officials and scientists, attending to a large population and both metropolitan and semirural environment, must oversee responsible energy delivery and consumption; carefully mitigate weather; respond to accidents, many related to climate; and curate healthy land, air and water systems — for people and animals.
Legislation banning petroleum additive in school meals headed to Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer
Studies have suggested that Red 40 can cause neurobehavioral problems in some children. But some experts say more research is needed. (Sarah Mueller, May. 14, 2025)
Philly children are exposed to dangerous lead more often than in other cities, analysis finds
An analysis by Drexel researchers found the highest-risk cities had higher rates of poverty, a higher percent of Black residents and more old homes. (Sophia Schmidt, Feb. 13, 2025)
N.J. and Delaware join states in suing Trump administration over NIH funding caps on universities and scientists
A National Institutes of Health memo on Feb. 7 said certain grant funds to universities and research institutions would be capped starting Monday. (Nicole Leonard, Feb. 11, 2025)
In light of Trump’s anti-‘DEI’ order and funding instability, Philly-area scientists question their future in the U.S.
One researcher described it as a “particularly insidious way” to stymie the work of U.S. scientists. (Alan Yu, Feb. 10, 2025)
Climate Fixers: Slowing down ‘fast fashion’ with natural dyes
Synthetic dyes are often petroleum-based and pollute waterways. At a former dairy farm in Lancaster County, Pa., flowers, plants and kitchen waste color clothes naturally. (Susan Phillips, Sept. 16, 2024)
Fit to fly? Penn researchers find some temporary cognitive decline among civilians who travel into space
In 2021, four people became the first all-civilian team to orbit Earth multiple times. Researchers studied their cognition, behavior and psychological performance. (Nicole Leonard, June 13, 2024)
Pa. solar installers were counting on U.S. Rep. Fitzpatrick to keep tax credits. Some feel ‘abandoned’ by GOP rollbacks
The House budget bill Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick voted for would be a “disaster” for business, solar installers say. (Susan Phillips, June 3, 2025)
With soaring summer temps ahead, AI data centers could strain electricity supplies in the Delaware Valley
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are among 13 states serviced by PJM Interconnection. Federal regulators say the growing demand for electricity is “not sustainable.” (Susan Phillips, May 23, 2025)
No free A/C units through LIHEAP in Pennsylvania this summer
The program, funded primarily with COVID relief money, provided free air conditioning units and fans the last three summers. It saw overwhelming demand. (Sophia Schmidt, May 6, 2025)
Delaware Gov. Meyer says he will eliminate state’s ‘electric vehicle mandate
The governor’s predecessor worked on enacting the controversial requirement for nearly two years. EV sales continue to grow, though (Cris Barrish, May 2, 2025)
Shapiro’s budget proposal includes changes to energy tax breaks, and a board designed to speed up permit reviews
The governor’s energy proposals aim to encourage development of both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. (Sophia Schmidt, Feb. 6, 2025)
French energy company to produce renewable natural gas from Chester County landfill waste
Landfills are responsible for more than 14% of human-caused methane emissions. Owners and energy companies are using technology to turn methane into renewable natural gas. (Zoë Read, Feb. 4, 2025)
PGW gets federal money to replace aging gas mains in Philly
The money will help the utility improve the safety of its distribution lines and reduce climate-warming emissions. (Sophia Schmidt, Oct. 23, 2024)
Once incarcerated, Philly expert moves students into climate-solution careers
Jackie Robinson, a building trades instructor, spent time in prison but now works at a nonprofit that teaches students how to make homes more climate-friendly. (Associated Press, Isabella O’Malley, Oct. 13, 2024)
Conservative Delaware think tank sues to stop Maryland offshore wind farm
Up to four power cables from offshore wind turbines will be buried under Delaware wetlands and beaches. Some fishermen worry about harm to wildlife. (Sarah Mueller, Oct. 2, 2024)
Fracking in Pennsylvania hasn’t gone as well as some may think
Twenty years after the state’s first shale gas well was drilled, jobs comprise less than 1% of the workforce, residents fear health impacts and environmental damage continues. (Susan Phillips, Oct. 1, 2024)
SEPTA to try out hydrogen fuel cell buses as early as this fall
The 10-bus pilot is part of the agency’s efforts to transition to a climate-friendly fleet. But it has attracted criticism from some environmentalists. (Sophia Schmidt, Sept. 23, 2024)
Another New Jersey offshore wind project runs into turbulence
Leading Light Wind is asking the state’s Board of Public Utilities to give it a pause through December on its plan to build an offshore wind farm off Long Beach Island. (Associated Press, Wayne Parry, Sept. 3, 2024)
‘Completely unacceptable’: Nearly two dozen Philly libraries closed this summer due to A/C issues
Philly libraries are used as cooling centers during extreme heat. But many have unreliable A/C. (Sophia Schmidt, Aug. 29, 2024)
‘We can learn from them’: Transit professionals to gather in Philly for green bus conference
It will be the first time the Zero Emissions Bus Conference has come to the East Coast. Organizers say there’s growing interest across the country. (Sophia Schmidt, Aug. 27, 2024)
Philly home repair program seen as climate resilience tool gets its first city funding
Built to Last, which staff say helps “future-proof” Philly homes, got $5 million in the budget City Council passed Thursday. (Sophia Schmidt, June 17, 2024)
Free air conditioners available again in Pa. through utility assistance program
The A/C units and repairs are available only to people who received LIHEAP or weatherization assistance in the past year. (Sophia Schmidt, June 10, 2024)
New Jersey and wind farm developer Orsted settle claims for $125M over scrapped offshore projects
The state and Orsted have settled claims against each other stemming from the company’s decision last October to scrap two wind farms off New Jersey’s southern coast. (Associated Press, Wayne Parry, May 28, 2024)
‘Bad year’ for Delaware wildfires prompts forest service to discourage outdoor burning, offer safety tips
With lower-than-normal rainfall, forest firefighting crews have responded to far more blazes. One saw flames shooting above 50-foot trees. (Cris Barrish, March 19, 2025)
Philly and surrounding areas are at an elevated fire risk. With no rain in the forecast, little relief is expected this week
Current forecasts predict the next several days to be pretty dry, which won’t do anything to quell current fire hazards. (Cory Sharber, March 10, 2025)
Winter storm ‘main show’ over in Philly region, but more snow expected; Delaware sees 10+ inches
Though the worst of the storm ended late Monday, Tuesday morning commuters in parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware can expect slippery roads and blowing snow. (WHYY News staff, Jan. 6, 2025)
PECO moves transformer flooded during Ida to prepare for more extreme weather
The utility got a federal grant to speed up several projects to improve reliability of its grid during extreme weather. (Sophia Schmidt, Dec. 20, 2024)
Recent rainfall not enough to pull Philly region out of drought, climatologists say
The region faces about a 10-inch deficit in rainfall. Three to four inches of rain a month are typical during the winter. (Zoë Read, Nov. 25, 2024)
It’s been 25 days without rain in Philadelphia
Philadelphia County has seen just 25–50% of the normal precipitation for this time of year. (Cory Sharber, Oct. 24, 2024)
Delaware bans bonfires, encourages residents to conserve water
The decision comes following weeks of record low rainfall, making the state abnormally dry. (Zoë Read, Oct. 16, 2024)
‘We really can’t do our job without IV fluids’: How Philly-area hospitals are dealing with shortages caused by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene shut down a factory in North Carolina that makes more than half of the U.S. supply of intravenous fluids. Hospitals use them everyday. (Alan Yu, Oct. 9, 2024)
Delaware will see $25 million in emergency dune repairs after flooding on Indian River Inlet, Route 1
Route 1 at the Indian River Inlet is a direct route to medical facilities. The road has been flooded several times in previous months. (Sarah Mueller, Sept. 25, 2024)
Schoolyards in Philly will get rain gardens thanks to a federal grant
The Nature Conservancy wants to prevent stormwater runoff from schoolyards by building rain gardens that also provide relief from the heat. (Zoë Read, Sept. 16, 2024)
Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, per the National Weather Service. (Maria Pulcinella, Aug. 1, 2024)
In Philly, demand is ‘overwhelming’ for Pa.’s LIHEAP air conditioner program
With more than a month left of the program, over a dozen county agencies have waitlists. “Demand is outrageous,” one official said. (Sophia Schmidt, July 26, 2024)
FEMA announces more than $2 million to help flood-prone Eastwick
The funding will pay for the construction of HESCO flood barriers — a series of metal baskets containing a fabric filled with a soil mixture that blocks the overflow of water. (Zoë Read, July 17, 2024)
What’s a heat dome? Here’s why so much of the U.S. is broiling this week
It’s helpful to think of a heat dome as what’s happening in the atmosphere and a heat wave as how it affects people on the ground. (Associated Press, Tammy Webber, June 18, 2024)
Flood risk is increasing in the Philly region. Here’s what you need to know
Here’s what to do if you’re caught in a flash flood, how you can protect yourself from increased flood risk and how climate change factors in. (Sophia Schmidt, June 3, 2024)
Prepare for an ‘extraordinary’ hurricane season on the East Coast, forecasters say
NOAA is predicting up to seven major Atlantic hurricanes this year. Officials say now is the time to prepare. (Sophia Schmidt, May 25, 2024)
Ocean County, New Jersey wildfire: 19-year-old charged with arson
Investigators say Joseph Kling set wooden pallets on fire and left them unattended. (P. Kenneth Burns, April 24, 2025)
Bucks County Community College to launch railroad safety training program in 2026
The 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, motivated college administrators to establish the program. (Emily Neil, April 17, 2025)
Camden City Council approves regulating lithium-ion batteries after massive EMR fire
EMR says lithium-ion batteries at their scrapyard caused a four-alarm blaze. Residents are skeptical it will hold the yard operator accountable. (P. Kenneth Burns, April 9, 2025)
A single-engine plane crashes near a Pennsylvania airport and all 5 aboard are taken to hospitals
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting that the aircraft “has an open door, we need to return for a landing.” (Associated Press, Christopher Weber, March 10, 2025)
‘Feeding burning cars to the belt’: EMR employees’ actions worsened Camden scrapyard fire, report says
“Their actions caused the … 4-story building to be fully engulfed in flames,” one first responder wrote in a report obtained by WHYY News. (Sophia Schmidt, March 6, 2025)
Black box from deadly Northeast Philly plane crash never recorded audio, NTSB investigation reveals
Preliminary investigations found the pilot’s black box recorder did not record audio from the Jan. 31 flight and likely hadn’t worked in years. (Cory Sharber, March 6, 2025)
Camden metal recycler whose fire caused evacuations had a history of violations
Friday’s scrapyard fire caused roughly 100 people to evacuate their homes. It wasn’t EMR’s first. (Sophia Schmidt, Feb. 26, 2025)
Small plane crashes near Doylestown Airport after mechanical problem
First responders arrived to an overturned single-engine plane Monday morning on Old Easton Road in Bucks County. The pilot, the only person on board, was not injured. (6abc digital staff, Feb. 10, 2025)
SEPTA train goes up in flames in Delaware County; roughly 350 passengers evacuated
The six-car train was traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington when it caught fire around 6 p.m. Thursday near the Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park. (6abc digital staff, Feb. 7, 2025)
Injury count in Northeast Philly plane crash rises to 24, black box found
Friday’s crash of a medical transport jet in Northeast Philly killed seven people. The investigation into the cause is ongoing. (Sophia Schmidt, Feb. 3, 2025)
PUC safety investigators claim PGW failed to prevent 2021 South Philly gas explosion
The explosion on Jackson Street in 2021 injured three people and caused several homes to be evacuated. (Sophia Schmidt, Dec. 6, 2024)
The PES refinery redeveloper signed a ‘community benefits commitment’ with 16 groups. Here’s what’s inside
The company has agreed to create a nonprofit to distribute at least $100,000 a year for community initiatives. (Sophia Schmidt, Meir Rinde, Oct. 22, 2024)
Portion of Philly’s Graffiti Pier collapses into Delaware River
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the report came in around 6:25 a.m. that 10–20 feet of the pier collapsed into the water. (6abc digital staff, July 31, 2024)
‘This is how I’m gonna die’: Former employees remember the PES refinery explosion, 5 years later
A series of explosions in 2019 shuttered the largest oil refinery on the East Coast. Here’s a look back at that day. (Sophia Schmidt, June 21, 2024)
Cleanup of former oil terminal near Bartram’s Garden gets boost with EPA funds
The site is one of close to 200 nationwide receiving cleanup funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Sophia Schmidt, May 21, 2024)
Delaware City Refinery equipment repaired, in operation, after almost 3 weeks
The refinery reported emissions of the toxic gas sulfur dioxide at rates as high as 1,450 per hour over the past couple weeks. Officials say air quality remains good. (Zoë Read, June 13, 2025)
New Jersey officials announce 100% containment of Jones Road wildfire
Full containment of the blaze comes more than two weeks after it was first sparked in southern Ocean County. (P. Kenneth Burns, May 12, 2025)
How did the Jones Road wildfire start and why are wildfires common in the New Jersey Pine Barrens?
The large wildfire was sparked at the peak of New Jersey’s spring fire season. (P. Kenneth Burns, April 25, 2025)
Ocean County, N.J. wildfire on pace to be the largest in nearly 20 years, is 50% contained but could burn for a few days
Officials expect the Jones Road Wildfire to eclipse a 2007 blaze by the time full containment happens this weekend. (P. Kenneth Burns, April 23, 2025)
Upper Makefield residents sue Energy Transfer, Sunoco Pipeline L.P. over pipeline leak
Plaintiffs’ demands include shutting down operation of the pipeline while investigation into the leak is ongoing. (Emily Neil, March 28, 2025)
‘It’s hellish now’: EMR fire leaves Camden residents worried about health and contamination
Neighbors reported difficulty breathing, headaches and lingering odors in the aftermath of the massive blaze. (Sophia Schmidt, March 5, 2025)
Cyanide found in Tookany Creek after SPS Technologies fire in Jenkintown
The creek is not used for drinking water, and officials say no other source of drinking water has been affected. (Sophia Schmidt, Feb. 26, 2025)
Officials say the air is safe near the Jenkintown SPS fire. Residents remain on edge
Residents say officials should have communicated in “real-time” and released details about air monitoring and chemicals at the plant sooner. (Sophia Schmidt, Zoë Read, Emily Neil, Feb. 21, 2025)
Residents urged to evacuate area near huge blaze at SPS Technologies in Jenkintown
Air quality readings so far haven’t picked up any hazardous materials in the air. (Kenny Cooper, Emily Neil, Feb. 18, 2025)
EPA reaches historic $4.2 million settlement over 2019 South Philly refinery explosion and fire
The federal agency claims Philadelphia Energy Solutions failed to properly monitor a burst pipe that started the fire. The bankrupt former operator hasn’t admitted fault. (Sophia Schmidt, Oct. 8, 2024)
‘This is a true disaster’: PA Task Force 1 leader describes challenges faced during Hurricane Helene deployment
Members of PA-TF1 are stationed in Marion, North Carolina, where they are conducting search and rescue missions. (Cory Sharber, Oct. 3, 2024)
Hurricane Helene latest: At least 84 people dead across several states
The southeastern U.S. is grappling with rising death tolls and a lack of vital supplies in isolated, flood-stricken areas in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. (Associated Press, Kate Payne, Jeffrey Collins, Patrick Whittle, Sept. 29, 2024)
A year after deadly flash flooding in Bucks County, family members remember loved ones
There were 10 flood-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 2023, according to the National Weather Service. That’s the highest number in the state since 2011. (Zoë Read, July 29, 2024)
Pa. officials criticized over response to chemical spill at Bartram’s Garden
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is investigating potential chromium compounds that leaked onto a portion of Bartram’s Mile Trail. (Zoë Read, July 17, 2024)
Sparked by fireworks, New Jersey forest fire is 90% contained, authorities say
The blaze was burning in a section of the forest in Tabernacle Township near the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill. (Associated Press, July 9, 2024)
Philadelphia City Council urges Parks and Rec to stop using chemical herbicides
Councilmember Nina Ahmad said Parks and Recreation officials are ignoring the 2020 law. The city department says the natural herbicides don’t work. (Tom MacDonald, June 10, 2025)
Some Philadelphia residents could lose water access as annual shutoff moratorium comes to a close
About 4,500 Philadelphia residents could lose access to their water, according to city officials — an 80% drop in potential water shutoffs compared to pre-pandemic times. (Zoë Read, March 29, 2025)
Chester receiver demands stormwater authority stop paying board salaries
Michael Doweary, Chester’s state-appointed receiver, reserved his right to recoup the “unauthorized” salary payments. (Kenny Cooper, March 18, 2025)
Philadelphians push the city to do more to plant and protect trees
One possible challenge: Officials say a $12 million federal grant to help implement the Philly Tree Plan is frozen. (Sophia Schmidt, March 6, 2025)
Newtown municipal authority stops plan to build wastewater treatment plant
Opponents of the project say they will continue to organize until the plan is canceled. (Emily Neil, March 12, 2025)
Water provider Aqua sues chemical company, alleging PFAS contamination in West Chester
The lawsuit alleges French company Arkema negligently discharged PFAS into the Goose Creek watershed in West Chester. (Zoë Read, March 6, 2025)
City of Philadelphia requests water, sewer rate hike
The average ratepayer could face a monthly bill of about $91 starting in September, and almost $97 the following year if the increase is approved. (Zoë Read, Feb. 27, 2025)
50 years of the Safe Drinking Water Act — from reducing waterborne diseases of the past to battling toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in the future
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the legislation, which was signed into law in December 1974 by President Gerald Ford. (Zoë Read, Dec. 19, 2024)
Staving off the horde: Is your beloved tree a zombie? Local arborists say check on it
Whether it be from damaging weather conditions, diseases, fungi or insect infestations, a sick or dying tree can be dangerous — and hard to spot. (Kenny Cooper, Oct. 28, 2024)
Wilmington asks for residents’ help identifying lead pipes
Last week, Wilmington released an inventory of lead pipes across the city. But the city has yet to determine the content of about 25% of its service lines. (Zoë Read, Oct. 23, 2024)
Philadelphia releases lead pipe inventory: Much of the city left undetermined
The Philadelphia Water Department shared a public inventory of the city’s lead pipes. The material of service lines connecting hundreds of thousands of properties is unknown. (Zoë Read, Oct. 21, 2024)
Toxic PFAS detected in several Delaware watersheds, report says
Red Clay Creek, which provides drinking water for residents in the Stanton area, had some of the highest PFAS levels detected. (Zoë Read, Sept. 25, 2024)
Pennsylvania law allows schools to skip lead testing, report says
PennEnvironment says school districts skip lead testing, don’t test all of their outlets and, in some cases, fail to report test results. (Zoë Read, Sept. 5, 2024)
Attorneys plan to sue Del. company under federal environmental act
Gore, known for the Gore-Tex fabric, is accused of improperly disposing of hazardous waste into sewers and the air. (Zoë Read, Sept. 5, 2024)
‘Swimming around in it like a soup’: Labor Day crowds temporarily introduce unwanted chemicals into rivers, streams
Samples collected over Labor Day weekend 2022 found increased chemicals from sunscreens, shampoos, drugs and fecal matter, according to a newly published Johns Hopkins study. (Zoë Read, Sept. 1, 2024)
Chester receiver aims to monetize bankrupt city’s water assets. Chester Water Authority vows to fight it
The receiver’s office asserts there’s an important caveat to their monetization plan: The entities must remain publicly owned. (Kenny Cooper, Aug. 26, 2024)
N.J.’s world-famous blueberries are at the height of their season. Here’s why they’re so good
The New Jersey Blueberry Advisory Council’s chairman said the state’s soil is what makes the Jersey blueberry so special. (David Matthau, June 28, 2024)
More than 30 Pa. schools detected toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in their drinking water that exceed EPA standard
For the first time, Pa. schools with on-site wells have been required to test drinking water for PFAS. Some rely on private wells because they are far away from public water. (Zoë Read, June 27, 2024)
Nearly 19% of water systems tested in Pa. contain PFAS levels above new EPA standards
In the Philly region, “forever chemicals” exceeded Pa.’s maximum contaminant levels in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties. (Zoë Read, June 10, 2024)
Montco officials say an unused dam along the Schuylkill in Norristown could provide green energy for the county
The dam could generate enough electricity to power all county operations in Norristown. (Emily Neil, June 5, 2024)
What the EPA’s partial rollback of the ‘forever chemical’ drinking water rule means
On Wednesday, the agency said it plans to weaken limits on harmful “forever chemicals” — roughly a year after the Biden administration finalized national standards. (Associated Press, Michael Phillis, May 16, 2025)
Pennsylvania researchers see tick population and related diseases ticking up
The state’s Tick Research Lab, based at East Stroudsburg University, has recorded more than twice as many ticks this May compared to the same time last year. (Kiley Koscinski, WESA, June 9, 2025)
River otters in Western Pennsylvania: An environmental success story
North American river otters once lived in every major river system in Pennsylvania. But because of development, otters largely disappeared from the state by the early 1900s. (Julie Grant, The Allegheny Front, June 2, 2025)
The World Series of Birding: In New Jersey, a 24-hour conservation blitz aims to protect local wildlife
Hundreds of bird species are packed into the Garden State. At New Jersey Audubon’s annual event, birders race against time to catalog as many as possible. (David Matthau, May 14, 2025)
Delmarva Peninsula’s chicken industry keeps a wary eye on global tariffs, but production still on the rise
As global tariff tensions with China rise, the area’s $4.8 billion poultry industry remains focused on growth despite potential challenges. (Johnny Perez-Gonzalez, May 5, 2025)
Anglers to cast their lines during New Jersey’s opening day of trout season
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife stocked more than 180,000 rainbow trout in waterways across the state to kick off Saturday’s opening-day event. (Zoë Read, April 7, 2025)
‘So grotesque they’re beautiful’: Eastern hellbender may get federal protections
The species has existed for millions of years, but the salamanders are threatened by poor water quality and populations have drastically declined. (Zoë Read, Dec. 25, 2024)
Pennsylvania State Capitol to begin crow dispersal program this week
Starting Monday, loud noises are expected for two hours a night near the capitol as the state attempts to deter thousands of crows away from capitol grounds. (Cory Sharber, Dec. 8, 2024)
Bethany Beach firefly could receive federal protections
The lightning bugs’ habitat is being threatened by development and climate change. (Zoë Read, Sept. 30, 2024)
Conservationists find mussel life near Pennypack on the Delaware
Finding mussel life in the Delaware River is a sign of good water quality, conservationists say. (Zoë Read, Aug. 29, 2024)
Advocates cheer new standards that could save horseshoe crabs from bloodletting
Up to 1 million horseshoe crabs in the U.S. are harvested for biomedical purposes. A synthetic alternative could mean less harvesting of the “living fossils.” (Zoë Read, July 29, 2024)
Chester County hayfields can be traps for baby birds. A collaboration aims to make them havens
Chester County farmers, conservationists and landowners are working together to help baby birds successfully leave the nest. (Sophia Schmidt, July 1, 2024)
Wayward bear’s journey across northern Delaware ends after car strike
The bear affectionately known as “Delabear” on social media met a tragic end after being hit by a car on a Delaware highway. (Johnny Perez-Gonzalez, June 26, 2024)
Rare black rail bird spotted in southern Delaware’s salt marshes at Milford Neck Preserve
After two years of assessment, researchers say they’ve found the rare and threatened black rail bird, along with other species, at Milford Neck Preserve. (Johnny Perez-Gonzalez, June 11, 2024)
A Delaware inventor wants you to consider raising bees
A unique hive design aims to reduce the physical demands on beekeepers while drastically improving colony survival rates. (Johnny Perez-Gonzalez, June 10, 2024)
New Jersey plans to drop the bald eagle from its endangered species list
State environmental officials say a rebound in bald eagle populations stems from volunteers and professionals who nurtured hatchlings, guarded nests and educated the public. (Associated Press, Mike Catalini, June 3, 2024)