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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Nor’easter scoured Jersey and Delaware beaches, causing erosion and flooding
A 2025 beach-replenishment project in Atlantic City cost about $40 million, while work this year in Sea Isle, Strathmere and Ocean City had a $41 million price tag.
3 days ago
Camden sues scrap metal recycler EMR, claiming company fell short on promised donations
The city accuses the company of violating a 2025 deal to donate to community initiatives after a massive fire at one of EMR’s facilities.
3 days ago
Listen 1:21Philadelphia-area schools are tapping the sun’s energy and saving money on utilities
Unionville High School in Kennett Square and Universal Audenried Charter School in Philadelphia are building solar arrays that will slash their energy bills.
5 days ago
Listen 1:04What we know about Delaware County’s potential data center plan, ‘Project Trainer’
Link Logistics is testing the waters for a data center that would sit around 100 feet from homes in Trainer, Pennsylvania.
1 week ago
Five Council members oppose a proposed contract with Reworld, as the Parker administration says its plan will save taxpayers millions.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:04Mark Squilla’s proposal lays out a long-term path away from incineration, while Jamie Gauthier wants the city to stop burning its trash now.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:19Data center growth could mean blackouts in coming years, Pa. utility regulators say
A report predicts electricity demand on the regional grid will nearly double by 2040, due almost entirely to data centers.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:08U.S. Rep. Norcross promotes lithium-ion battery incentive bill at EMR as solution to fires
The bill would create a tax credit to help recycling companies buy battery detectors, tax battery makers and create a recycling program.
3 weeks ago
A former DEP commissioner says the city did not have the authority to skirt state laws in order to make the 250th anniversary deadline.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:26Philadelphia sees one of its warmest summers on record
The city’s average temperature tied for the third warmest on record from June through August.
4 weeks ago
Free plant library brings ‘a little whimsy’ to Northeast Philadelphia
The bright yellow box has become a place for people to swap plant cuttings and propagations.
1 month ago
Listen 1:00Philadelphia should do more to help unhoused people during heat waves, advocates say
In an open letter, a coalition of homeless people, advocates and service providers called for a heat response similar to how the city handles cold.
1 month ago
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