
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
‘A shame’: More EPA grant terminations hit Philly region
Tree planting, internships for teens and community engagement are among the projects targeted.
4 days ago
Listen 1:17Philly area’s MACH2 hydrogen hub funding could be on the chopping block, according to a report
A Department of Energy document obtained by POLITICO indicates funding for the MACH2 hydrogen hub could be cut.
6 days ago
Listen 1:03‘A reckless dismantling’: EPA employees and supporters march in Philly to protest cuts
EPA staffers and retirees worry rollbacks and cuts planned by Trump administration officials could undermine work to protect human health.
6 days ago
Listen 1:25SPS Technologies continues to monitor air, water in Jenkintown and says no health risks found
The company has tested air, creeks, soot and debris from the fire. It plans to continue air and water monitoring “for the foreseeable future.”
1 week ago
Listen 1:21PGW could explore clean energy with geothermal pilot project at Philly’s McCloskey Elementary School
The gas company is hiring a contractor to study the feasibility of a geothermal system to heat and cool a public school and a rec center.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:11EPA grants for air pollution monitoring, cooling kits and A/C units in Pa. and Del. terminated
In a termination letter, the EPA said it is ensuring its grants do not support programs promoting “DEI” or environmental justice initiatives.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:02What’s in Philly Mayor Parker’s second budget proposal for cleaning and greening
The plan includes expanding twice-weekly trash pickup to North Philly, fixing heating and air conditioning in libraries and adding planters to commercial corridors.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:01At a packed town hall, City Councilmember Jeffery Young proposed replacing the library with a mixed-use building. It didn’t go well.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:24South Camden residents demand change from EMR after scrapyard fire
“There have been way too many fires at EMR,” one neighbor said. “Nothing’s been done.”
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:18“Their actions caused the … 4-story building to be fully engulfed in flames,” one first responder wrote in a report obtained by WHYY News.
4 weeks ago
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.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:00‘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.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:11