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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
Tree clearing in FDR Park gets approval from Philly zoning board
The decision comes days after a group of residents filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the park renovation.
4 months ago
Listen 1:09Drexel launches new health policy research center focused on climate change
The center will concentrate on equity and providing cities with evidence-based policies to protect their residents.
4 months ago
Pa. pauses distributing cash grants for heating bills amid federal budget delay
The state is continuing to accept applications and distribute crisis grants to households at immediate risk of losing heat.
4 months ago
Listen 1:23Here’s what Mayor Parker proposed in her first budget to fight litter and illegal dumping in Philly
Parker’s spending proposal revealed more details about her plan to make Philly the cleanest big city in the country.
4 months ago
Listen 0:56‘Don’t forget about us’: Advocates hope Parker moves the needle on Parks & Rec improvements
After taking office, Parker promised to make Philly the “safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation.” Advocates for parks and youth sports have high hopes.
5 months ago
Listen :573 takeaways from City Council’s hearing on Philly’s efforts to slash climate pollution
“It's anybody's guess as to whether we're on track for 2050,” one witness said.
5 months ago
Philly plans to revamp its drinking water system. The Water Department wants to hear your thoughts
PWD customers will foot the bill for a massive infrastructure improvement plan. You can learn more about it at a series of upcoming meetings.
5 months ago
Listen 1:09Philly closes out ‘another warm winter’
Philly winters have been trending warmer. El Niño made this winter one of the city’s warmest and wettest on record.
5 months ago
Listen 0:52What is community solar, and why do lawmakers want to bring it to Pennsylvania?
Community solar lets renters and people who can’t afford large upfront costs go solar. A bipartisan group of Pa. lawmakers back it.
5 months ago
Listen 1:08Philly Zoning Board delays FDR Park tree-cutting decision
At issue are 48 mature trees, which the Fairmount Park Conservancy proposes cutting down to make way for athletic fields.
5 months ago
Listen 1:01Philly launches training program to grow and diversify electric vehicle workforce
A pre-apprenticeship program will aim to help people become electricians focused on electric vehicle chargers.
5 months ago
Listen 1:08New EPA soot standard could bring healthier air to parts of the Philly region
Officials predict Delaware County, Pa., and Camden County, N.J., will fail to meet the new standard without further action to reduce pollution.
5 months ago
Listen 1:14