
Sophia Schmidt covers the environment for WHYY’s PlanPhilly. Before coming to Philadelphia in 2021, Sophia reported on her home state of Delaware for Delaware Public Media and produced interviews for NPR’s “Weekend Edition.” Sophia was a 2021 Metcalf Fellow.
More from the Contributor
Pennsylvania House bill lays out new heat protections for workers
The bill, introduced ahead of Labor Day, would require employers to provide paid rest breaks and water when the heat index hits 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
14 hours ago
A major solar installer in Philly is ceasing most operations amid federal tax credit rollbacks
In a letter obtained by WHYY, PosiGen’s CEO said recent rollbacks to federal tax credits made it harder for the company to secure financing.
6 days ago
Listen 1:27Richmond Library in Port Richmond reopens after monthslong closure
The library closed in December after a stalled roof replacement caused leaks and pieces of plaster ceiling to fall to the floor.
1 week ago
Listen 1:13New Jersey under state of emergency as Erin brings flood warnings to Jersey Shore and Delaware coast
The storm is heading away from the Mid-Atlantic coast, but is bringing high winds, big waves and coastal flooding.
2 weeks ago
Grid operator PJM is under increasing scrutiny over rising electricity costs. Lawmakers want a clearer look at how the nonprofit operates.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:13Electricity bills are going up in the Philly region. Who’s in charge of the grid, anyway?
A little-known organization called PJM Interconnection directs the flow of electricity. Here’s how its actions can impact your bills.
3 weeks ago
Philadelphians fighting FDR Park renovation can continue their case in city court, judge says
It’s a procedural win for opponents of the renovation, who argue turf athletic fields and a new tidal wetland will radically change the park.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:07Gardeners breathe a ‘sigh of relief’ over Summer Winter Community Garden preservation
City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier hopes the Summer Winter Community Garden deal will be a model for securing more garden land.
1 month ago
Listen 1:01PECO is offering $500 grants to help customers pay off overdue bills
The program is geared toward customers with incomes too high to qualify for some existing energy assistance programs.
1 month ago
Listen 1:00The auction, meant to ensure sufficient power supply in the future, closed at a record price for the second year in a row.
1 month ago
Listen 1:06‘The stuff of nightmares’: Philly nonprofit sues EPA over deadly chemical used at refineries
Three nonprofits hope to force the federal government to regulate hydrogen fluoride more strictly. The chemical is still used at a Delaware County refinery.
1 month ago
Listen 1:25Pa., Del. and N.J. sue Trump’s FEMA over end of grant program that helps states prevent flooding
The funding would have helped reduce flooding in Lewes, Delaware, and Philly neighborhoods, as well as strengthened a dam in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
2 months ago
Listen 1:06