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
In Philadelphia’s Eastwick neighborhood, plans for a temporary solution to flooding hit a snag
The issue with temporary HESCO-style flood barriers comes after a plan for a levee in Eastwick was deemed not viable.
20 hours ago
Listen 1:07Hydropower parts manufacturer in Northeast Philadelphia lands federal research partnership
Kingsbury plans to test new materials for hydroelectric power equipment that can support the needs of modern-day grids.
1 week ago
Listen 1:09PGW upgrading infrastructure to cut a small fraction of its climate pollution
The project will reduce methane releases and cut the utility's overall greenhouse gas emissions by a fraction of a percent.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:04Camden residents, advocates push N.J. to seek compensation for neighbors from EMR
The state’s public nuisance lawsuit against a scrap metal recycler over repeated fires seeks operational changes. Residents say that’s not enough.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:06Nor’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.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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.
3 weeks 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.
3 weeks ago
Five Council members oppose a proposed contract with Reworld, as the Parker administration says its plan will save taxpayers millions.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
1 month ago










