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
What 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 month ago
Five Council members oppose a proposed contract with Reworld, as the Parker administration says its plan will save taxpayers millions.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months ago
Listen 4:18Kensington High School students will travel to a building 7 miles away on shuttle buses after an asbestos issue shuttered their school.
2 months ago
Listen 1:14Philadelphia teachers union says district’s poor oversight led to Kensington High asbestos closure
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers says the district knew about the asbestos issue a month before telling students they’d need to relocate.
2 months ago
Listen 1:16Philly’s Kensington High shuttered after asbestos issue discovered during HVAC replacement
Last year, the School District of Philadelphia became the first in the country to be criminally charged over its management of asbestos.
3 months ago










