
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
New federal clean energy rebates are in limbo for residents of Pa., Del., and N.J.
Federal funding is still pending for 21 states, as Biden’s term nears its end. The rebates can cover heat pumps, electric stoves and insulation.
1 month ago
Listen 1:18Warming centers open as safe places in Philly during cold snap
Roughly 20 sites across the city are open during the day, during the night or 24/7. City officials say everyone is welcome.
1 month ago
Radon could be an invisible lung cancer risk inside your Pennsylvania home
Roughly 40% of Pennsylvania homes are estimated to have elevated levels of radioactive radon, according to the state.
1 month ago
Listen 1:032024 tied for Philly’s warmest year on record
Since 2020, Philly has consistently had one of its top 10 warmest years on record.
1 month ago
The U.S. Army Corps wants to elevate 6,000 N.J. homes to protect them from storms
The plan is not yet funded and is still subject to change. Construction could begin as early as 2030.
2 months ago
Firefighting is a dangerous job. Now, there's growing awareness of an invisible risk: cancer
Philadelphia’s first female battalion chief, Linda Long, retired in 2023 after being diagnosed with brain cancer. She thinks it’s linked to years of toxic exposures.
2 months ago
Listen 9:53A Pa. utility shutoff law is expiring. Here’s what you need to know
A state law governing utility termination expires Dec. 31. But the winter shutoff moratorium stays in effect.
2 months ago
Listen 1:02PECO moves transformer flooded during Ida to prepare for more extreme weather
The utility got a federal grant to speed up several projects to improve reliability of its grid during extreme weather.
2 months ago
Listen 1:12Shopping online for gifts this month? Here’s what packaging can be recycled in Philly
Online purchases are delivered with lots of packaging. Here’s what to do with bubble wrap, plastic mailers, packing peanuts and more.
2 months ago
Listen 1:01Flying this holiday season? Here’s what to know about the climate impact
Aviation is one of Philly’s largest sources of carbon emissions, but other forms of transport aren’t necessarily a better option.
2 months ago
Listen 1:07PUC safety investigators claim PGW failed to prevent 2021 South Philly gas explosion
The explosion on Jackson Street in 2021 injured three people and caused several homes to be evacuated.
2 months ago
Listen 1:08Fixed is the new ‘new’: Advocates say to consider greener tech purchases this holiday season
Items like TVs, game consoles and phones create toxic e-waste and emissions. Environmental advocates say repaired items are a better deal.
3 months ago
Listen 1:05