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
During a chemical spill, Philly was unable to switch water sources. Here’s why that matters
The contamination threat is the latest in a series of disasters that underscore the need for infrastructure investments.
1 year ago
Philly tap water still safe to drink and ‘will not be impacted’ by chemical spill, city says
Philadelphia officials gave the all-clear Tuesday, after analyzing over 100 samples of water they feared could be affected by a chemical spill.
1 year ago
Listen 0:54Philly tap water safe to drink until at least Wednesday night
Officials say the city’s tap water is safe to drink until at least 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. They expect the contamination to clear by Thursday.
1 year ago
Listen 1:12Eastwick United launches grant program to fill another gap in Isaias recovery
More than two years after a flood devastated low-lying Eastwick, a community organization is distributing funding for lingering repairs.
1 year ago
‘Where does it end?’: Philly water customers are concerned about proposed rate hike
The average resident’s bill would increase more than 20% by late 2024, under a rate increase the Philadelphia Water Department wants.
1 year ago
‘LIHEAPalooza’ teaches Philadelphians how to lower their utility bills
Philadelphians earning below the federal poverty level spend nearly a quarter of their incomes on energy. An event Friday is designed to help.
1 year ago
Community gardens say ‘unfair’ Philly Land Bank practice makes preservation harder
People fighting to save community gardens in fast-developing neighborhoods say groups should not have to take on mortgages to get land.
1 year ago
Listen 1:08Don’t let PGW charge customers for warmer winters, residents tell utility regulators
In a hearing on the gas utility’s weather normalization adjustment, customers said the billing practice is unfair in the face of climate change.
1 year ago
Kenney’s budget proposal is just a ‘Band-Aid’ for illegal dumping, advocates say
The proposal includes a new crew to clean up illegal dumping and more street sweeping. But advocates say this doesn’t get to the root of the problem.
1 year ago
Philly street sweeping starts again in April
The street sweeping program currently covers 14 high-litter areas of the city. The mayor’s budget proposal includes an expansion.
1 year ago
After years of work, Philly releases final plan to increase the city’s tree canopy
The city wants to eliminate disparities in tree coverage between neighborhoods.
1 year ago
This Philly drag show tackles climate change — on ice
Performers hope audiences leave the show feeling “energized and curious” about climate solutions.
1 year ago
Listen 5:05