
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.
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Philadelphia plans to buy more solar power for municipal operations, inching closer to climate goals
The planned solar farm could be finished in 2026, officials say. But it comes as Congressional Republicans seek to slash tax credits for solar.
14 hours ago
Fire that damaged multiple decommissioned SEPTA buses at Philly storage yard now under control
City health officials say nearby residents should stay indoors as much as possible, wear a mask outside, avoid strenuous physical activity and close windows and doors.
1 day ago
U.S. House budget bill would slash Pennsylvania schools’ savings from planned solar projects
Upper Darby School District is planning six Solar for Schools projects. Without federal tax credits, the district says they wouldn’t happen.
1 day ago
‘Code Orange’ day for ozone in Philly area Wednesday due to drifting wildfire smoke
Young children, older adults and people with lung conditions such as asthma should limit their activity outside, state officials said.
3 days ago
Repairs to a broken air pollution control device could take two more weeks, a refinery official said.
4 days ago
‘Boiler failure’ at Delaware City Refinery releases toxic air pollutants
The air pollutant sulfur dioxide can make breathing harder for people with asthma. The refinery has been releasing it for several days.
7 days ago
PECO bills are set to increase around $8 a month starting June 1, as demand for electricity rises.
1 week ago
Listen 1:13As summer approaches, Bartram’s Mile Trail still closed more than a year after chemical spill
Bartram’s Garden says it’s waiting for a green light from the city to reopen the trail. The city says the decision lies with the state Department of Environmental Protection.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:15Philadelphia residents are tracking air quality and pollution from their rowhouses in real time
With the fate of EPA regulations uncertain, advocates say local environmental protection efforts, like a community air monitoring network, are increasingly important.
2 weeks ago
Listen 3:15Looming SEPTA cuts could increase climate pollution in the Philly area
An analysis by WHYY News shows the increased traffic could raise Philly’s transportation sector carbon emissions by around 4%.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:14Bucks County climate lawsuit against big oil tossed by Pa. judge
The county hoped to make fossil fuel companies pay to help it address the impacts of climate change, such as worsening flood risk.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:01Utilities could also raise rates on other customers to help cover the cost of the lost federal funds.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:29