
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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‘Boiler failure’ at Delaware City Refinery releases toxic air pollutants
The air pollutant sulfur dioxide can make breathing harder for people with asthma. The refinery has been releasing it for several days.
2 months ago
PECO bills are set to increase around $8 a month starting June 1, as demand for electricity rises.
2 months ago
Listen 1:13As summer approaches, Bartram’s Mile Trail still closed more than a year after chemical spill
Bartram’s Garden says it’s waiting for a green light from the city to reopen the trail. The city says the decision lies with the state Department of Environmental Protection.
3 months ago
Listen 1:15Philadelphia residents are tracking air quality and pollution from their rowhouses in real time
With the fate of EPA regulations uncertain, advocates say local environmental protection efforts, like a community air monitoring network, are increasingly important.
3 months ago
Listen 3:15Looming SEPTA cuts could increase climate pollution in the Philly area
An analysis by WHYY News shows the increased traffic could raise Philly’s transportation sector carbon emissions by around 4%.
3 months ago
Listen 1:14Bucks County climate lawsuit against big oil tossed by Pa. judge
The county hoped to make fossil fuel companies pay to help it address the impacts of climate change, such as worsening flood risk.
3 months ago
Listen 1:01Utilities could also raise rates on other customers to help cover the cost of the lost federal funds.
3 months ago
Listen 1:29Philly gets failing grades for air pollution that makes asthma worse
In its annual report, the American Lung Association flunked the city for its levels of ozone and particle pollution. The 2023 wildfires played a role.
3 months ago
Listen 1:09No free A/C units through LIHEAP in Pennsylvania this summer
The program, funded primarily with COVID relief money, provided free air conditioning units and fans the last three summers. It saw overwhelming demand.
3 months ago
Listen 1:04Philly’s carbon emissions have dropped. Here’s what experts say should be next
The data could be clouded by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as an increase in remote work.
3 months ago
Listen 1:25Close to a dozen residents of the flood-prone neighborhood met with members of Congress Tuesday.
3 months ago
Listen 1:102 years later, city says Washington Avenue redo is working
The city reports more people are walking and biking along the route, but says it’s too soon to know whether the project has reduced crashes.
4 months ago
Listen 1:14