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
South Philly’s Bellwether District has its first tenant. Here’s what to know about DrinkPAK
The canned drink manufacturer plans to create more than 170 long-term jobs at the former PES refinery site.
12 hours ago
Listen 1:02
As Trump administration moves away from solar energy, Philly doubles down with new Abes Run deal
The 20-year contract locks in a fixed price meant to insulate the city from rising costs. But the price is higher than what the city initially sought.
2 days ago
Listen 1:02
Pa. households can apply for heating bill assistance after monthlong delay
The state delayed its LIHEAP program as it waited for federal funds held up by the government shutdown. The program opens Wednesday, Dec. 3.
1 week ago
Listen 0:51
What to do if you find injured, sick or orphaned wildlife in Philadelphia
Here’s how to safely capture an injured animal and where to take it for help.
1 week ago
Listen 0:56
Community trash disposal sites are coming to Southwest Philadelphia
The trash disposal sites will be open 24/7 and accept residential waste.
1 week ago
Listen 0:58
A tax credit for home insulation, air conditioners and heat pumps ends soon. Here’s what to know
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit saved households in Pa., Del. and N.J. more than $200 million in a recent tax year.
2 weeks ago
Listen 0:54
Philadelphians will soon face 10-cent paper bag fee at grocery stores, markets and more
Plastic bags are already banned in Philadelphia. Paper bags will come with a fee.
4 weeks ago
Listen 0:55
Chester to Philadelphia: ‘Find somewhere else’ to send your trash
A bill would prevent Philadelphia from signing new contracts for waste incineration, forcing the city to send all of its waste to landfills.
1 month ago
Listen 0:58
LIHEAP is delayed in Pa. due to the government shutdown. Here are other resources for energy bills
With the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program delayed, over 300,000 Pa. households will wait longer for help heating their homes.
1 month ago
How Philadelphia seniors are tracking microplastics in streams and working to ‘leave a better world’
Members of the Senior Environment Corps wade into streams, peer through microscopes and teach kids how to identify aquatic critters.
1 month ago
Listen 5:03
Republican lawmakers from Pa., N.J., Va. and Md. weigh solutions to rising electricity bills
Republican lawmakers want to see faster permitting and an end to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
1 month ago
‘Philly ain’t playing’: City steps up anti-dumping enforcement efforts
Forty additional city employees have been given authority to issue notices of violation against illegal dumpers. They hit the streets next month.
2 months ago
Listen 0:47