
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 leaving regional electricity grid is still on the table, Shapiro says
The governor said PJM Interconnection has “months, not years” to make reforms that will keep costs down for consumers.
1 day ago
Tons of Philadelphia’s trash are burned in Chester. A bill in City Council could stop that
The proposal would require the city to rethink its waste disposal contracts after they expire next summer.
5 days ago
Live in Strawberry Mansion and want a ‘cool roof’ coating? Here’s how to get one for free
Philly residents in Brewerytown, Strawberry Mansion and Allegheny West can apply for a pilot program that aims to reduce energy burden and curb the cost of electric bills.
6 days ago
Listen 1:08Philadelphia tests out ‘cool pavement’ in Hunting Park to combat summer heat
The city finished installing a second “cool pavement” test patch this summer. So far, results are mixed.
7 days ago
Listen 4:31‘Everything was floating’: Flooding of FDR Park’s boathouse destroys nonprofit’s equipment
The nonprofit Discovery Pathways says equipment, including life jackets, boat paddles, fishing rods, kayak seats and power tools, was damaged.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:11A roughly 21% fare hike will also go into effect that day.
3 weeks ago
Pennsylvania schools still pursuing solar projects despite federal tax credit rollbacks
None of the schools that received Solar for Schools grants have told the state they’re pulling out due to federal tax credit rollbacks.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:23The tax credits help offset the cost of upgrades such as heat pumps, windows and insulation. They expire at the end of December.
3 weeks ago
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.
3 weeks 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.
4 weeks 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 month 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.
1 month ago