The Allegheny Front
@alleghenyfront.bsky.social
Independent environmental news
Public radio/podcast
Based in Pittsburgh
www.alleghenyfront.org
Public radio/podcast
Based in Pittsburgh
www.alleghenyfront.org
Despite, a court order to resume the work of the Black Lung Screening Program at NIOSH, there are no funds to operate the mobile x-ray unit and no contractors to read chest x-rays. www.alleghenyfront.org/niosh-black-...
Despite court order, black lung screening program still not fully functional
There are no funds to operate a mobile X-ray unit and the agency is missing contract workers to read chest X-rays.
www.alleghenyfront.org
June 14, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Despite, a court order to resume the work of the Black Lung Screening Program at NIOSH, there are no funds to operate the mobile x-ray unit and no contractors to read chest x-rays. www.alleghenyfront.org/niosh-black-...
Pennsylvania’s Tick Research Lab says it is tracking significantly more ticks this spring. The lab tests ticks for pathogens free of charge. The state is also seeing a seasonal uptick in Lyme disease cases. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
Pennsylvania researchers see tick population and related diseases ticking up
Pennsylvania’s Tick Research Lab says it is tracking significantly more ticks this spring. The lab tests ticks for pathogens free of charge.
www.alleghenyfront.org
June 10, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Pennsylvania’s Tick Research Lab says it is tracking significantly more ticks this spring. The lab tests ticks for pathogens free of charge. The state is also seeing a seasonal uptick in Lyme disease cases. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
DEP said benzene and another hazardous air pollutant could have been released during an explosion at Shell’s ethane cracker Wednesday afternoon. Shell is expected to calculate the amount of these emissions, if any, and report its findings to the agency. www.alleghenyfront.org/shell-beaver...
Explosion, smoke reported at Shell plant in Beaver County
DEP said benzene and another hazardous air pollutant could have been released during an explosion at Shell’s ethane cracker in Beaver County on Wednesday.
www.alleghenyfront.org
June 6, 2025 at 1:31 PM
DEP said benzene and another hazardous air pollutant could have been released during an explosion at Shell’s ethane cracker Wednesday afternoon. Shell is expected to calculate the amount of these emissions, if any, and report its findings to the agency. www.alleghenyfront.org/shell-beaver...
Pittsburgh ranked 15th among cities for its parks, up from 17th last year. The Trust for Public Land, report shows that 94% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a Pittsburgh city park with public access. Investments are up too. www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburghs-...
Pittsburgh’s parks improve access, creep higher in national ranking
The report shows that 94% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park with public access. One area of improvement was equitable access to parks.
www.alleghenyfront.org
June 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Pittsburgh ranked 15th among cities for its parks, up from 17th last year. The Trust for Public Land, report shows that 94% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a Pittsburgh city park with public access. Investments are up too. www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburghs-...
A former Pennsylvania dairy farmer takes his guitar on the road to address the mental health crisis in rural communities. www.alleghenyfront.org/mental-healt...
Musician helps farmers open up with 'Empty Barn' song
A former Pennsylvania dairy farmer takes his guitar on the road to address the mental health crisis in rural communities.
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May 30, 2025 at 9:05 PM
A former Pennsylvania dairy farmer takes his guitar on the road to address the mental health crisis in rural communities. www.alleghenyfront.org/mental-healt...
The reforesting of an old gravel mine at Lake Pleasant in Erie County is part of an effort to restore hundreds of acres of mine land across the region. www.alleghenyfront.org/erie-pennsyl...
A former gravel mine in Erie County gets a second chance as forestland
The 100-acre site in Erie County is being reforested through a partnership between the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the nonprofit Bosland Growth.
www.alleghenyfront.org
May 19, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The reforesting of an old gravel mine at Lake Pleasant in Erie County is part of an effort to restore hundreds of acres of mine land across the region. www.alleghenyfront.org/erie-pennsyl...
With its new trail and discovery space in Frick Park, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy aims to create an inclusive outdoor experience. www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-p...
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy opens accessible trail and discovery space in Frick Park
With its new trail and discovery space in Frick Park, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy aims to create an inclusive outdoor experience.
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May 19, 2025 at 11:49 AM
With its new trail and discovery space in Frick Park, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy aims to create an inclusive outdoor experience. www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-p...
Landforce and its partners planned to expand their workforce development efforts in landscaping and upcycling wood waste. Now their funding is gone.
www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-l...
www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-l...
May 9, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Landforce and its partners planned to expand their workforce development efforts in landscaping and upcycling wood waste. Now their funding is gone.
www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-l...
www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-l...
A former EPA official warns exemption for some coal-fired power plants could be the first step toward gutting pollution rules for all plants. www.alleghenyfront.org/trump-coal-p...
Trump’s 2-year reprieve gives coal plants 'a free pass to pollute'
A former EPA official warns exemption for some coal-fired power plants could be the first step toward gutting pollution rules for all plants.
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May 9, 2025 at 1:12 PM
A former EPA official warns exemption for some coal-fired power plants could be the first step toward gutting pollution rules for all plants. www.alleghenyfront.org/trump-coal-p...
An Ohio oil and gas commission approved new acreage for fracking in one wildlife area, and delayed action on thousands of additional acres. Then police physically prevented a reporter from talking with the commission chair. www.alleghenyfront.org/ohio-state-l...
Ohio opens more state land for fracking, then police officer physically prevents a reporter from asking questions
A state commission approved fracking in one wildlife area and delayed action on thousands more acres. Then, police physically barred a reporter from asking questions.
www.alleghenyfront.org
May 6, 2025 at 2:02 PM
An Ohio oil and gas commission approved new acreage for fracking in one wildlife area, and delayed action on thousands of additional acres. Then police physically prevented a reporter from talking with the commission chair. www.alleghenyfront.org/ohio-state-l...
Changes that drove Philly’s emissions reductions in 2022 include the electric grid’s shift from coal to natural gas, the pandemic and the closure of a refinery.
www.alleghenyfront.org/phillys-carb...
www.alleghenyfront.org/phillys-carb...
Philly’s carbon emissions have dropped. Here’s what experts say should be next
One of the many changes that drove Philly’s emissions reductions in 2022 was the electric grid’s shift from coal to natural gas.
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May 5, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Changes that drove Philly’s emissions reductions in 2022 include the electric grid’s shift from coal to natural gas, the pandemic and the closure of a refinery.
www.alleghenyfront.org/phillys-carb...
www.alleghenyfront.org/phillys-carb...
A bill before Congress seeks to make changes to the Endangered Species Act that environmentalists say would weaken its protections. We talk with Defenders of Wildlife on its implications for wildlife protections. www.alleghenyfront.org/amendments-e...
What amendments to the Endangered Species Act could mean for wildlife
A bill before Congress seeks to make changes to the Endangered Species Act that environmentalists say would weaken its protections.
www.alleghenyfront.org
May 2, 2025 at 8:46 PM
A bill before Congress seeks to make changes to the Endangered Species Act that environmentalists say would weaken its protections. We talk with Defenders of Wildlife on its implications for wildlife protections. www.alleghenyfront.org/amendments-e...
The surge in renewables is driven by solar, which now generates nearly 14% of the energy on the regional grid that serves Pennsylvania. www.alleghenyfront.org/solar-renewa...
Renewables surpass coal on Mid-Atlantic electric grid
The surge in renewable energy is driven by solar, which now generates nearly 14% of the energy on the regional grid that serves Pennsylvania.
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 30, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The surge in renewables is driven by solar, which now generates nearly 14% of the energy on the regional grid that serves Pennsylvania. www.alleghenyfront.org/solar-renewa...
Do you thrift for the best price or sustainability? www.alleghenyfront.org/could-sustai...
Could sustainable shopping get a boost as tariffs panic fast fashion brands?
Thrifting proponents hope more people will turn to sustainable fashion as the trade war between the U.S. and China strains fast fashion.
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April 28, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Do you thrift for the best price or sustainability? www.alleghenyfront.org/could-sustai...
LCT Energy LP will mine metallurgical coal, but an environmental group worries the project will exacerbate longstanding mine drainage problems in the Laurel Highlands. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
PA DEP OKs ‘Rustic Ridge’ coal mine expansion beneath PA Turnpike
The company will mine metallurgical coal, but an environmental group worries the project will exacerbate mine drainage problems in the Laurel Highlands.
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April 26, 2025 at 3:47 PM
LCT Energy LP will mine metallurgical coal, but an environmental group worries the project will exacerbate longstanding mine drainage problems in the Laurel Highlands. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
Through Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom, teachers and students raise trout to learn about not only the life cycle, but also coldwater conservation. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
From classroom to creek: students learn about trout by raising and releasing fish
Through Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom, teachers and students raise trout to learn about not only the life cycle, but also coldwater conservation.
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 24, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Through Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom, teachers and students raise trout to learn about not only the life cycle, but also coldwater conservation. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
The annual "State of the Air" report rated air quality in the Pittsburgh region 16th worst in the country.
www.alleghenyfront.org/american-lun...
www.alleghenyfront.org/american-lun...
American Lung Association gives Pittsburgh's air quality a failing grade
The annual "State of the Air" report rated air quality in the Pittsburgh region 16th worst in the country.
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 23, 2025 at 8:51 PM
The annual "State of the Air" report rated air quality in the Pittsburgh region 16th worst in the country.
www.alleghenyfront.org/american-lun...
www.alleghenyfront.org/american-lun...
President Trump ordered 400 federal agency heads to scour for regulations to repeal, and do so without public notice or comment. Can he do that? The Allegheny Front's Julie Grant talks with Jody Freeman of Harvard's Environmental and Energy Law Program. www.alleghenyfront.org/trump-climat...
Trump moves to quickly slash federal regulations, target state and corporate climate efforts
President Trump ordered 400 federal agencies to scour for regulations to repeal, and to do so without public notice or comment.
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 21, 2025 at 5:18 PM
President Trump ordered 400 federal agency heads to scour for regulations to repeal, and do so without public notice or comment. Can he do that? The Allegheny Front's Julie Grant talks with Jody Freeman of Harvard's Environmental and Energy Law Program. www.alleghenyfront.org/trump-climat...
Don't miss our latest podcast episode that tackles the legality of Trump's attempt at mass deregulation, exemptions to mercury rules for coal plants, and a new invasive plant exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. www.alleghenyfront.org/episode-for-...
Episode for April 18, 2025
President Trump signed an executive order giving coal power plants an extension on complying with new pollution standards. The Trump administration is looking to roll back many other climate and envir...
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 18, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Don't miss our latest podcast episode that tackles the legality of Trump's attempt at mass deregulation, exemptions to mercury rules for coal plants, and a new invasive plant exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. www.alleghenyfront.org/episode-for-...
Writer and photographer Tim Palmer returns to a subject he knows well in his new book, "Watching the River Run: A Photographic Journey Down the Youghiogheny." www.alleghenyfront.org/youghiogheny...
A trip down the Youghiogheny River through photos
Writer, photographer Tim Palmer returns to a subject he knows well in his new book, "Watching the River Run: A Photographic Journey Down the Youghiogheny.
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 17, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Writer and photographer Tim Palmer returns to a subject he knows well in his new book, "Watching the River Run: A Photographic Journey Down the Youghiogheny." www.alleghenyfront.org/youghiogheny...
President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Tuesday to reinvigorate the country’s coal mining industry. Coal supporters and environmentalists weigh in. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
Advocates, environmentalists split as Trump signs orders to bolster coal industry
President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Tuesday to reinvigorate the country’s coal mining industry.
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April 11, 2025 at 6:46 PM
President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Tuesday to reinvigorate the country’s coal mining industry. Coal supporters and environmentalists weigh in. www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania...
A bill in the Pennsylvania legislature to accept millions of federal dollars for solar projects for low-income families has suddenly put the state’s solar industry on edge, because of an amendment they worry will upend net-metering. www.alleghenyfront.org/amendment-to...
Amendment to PA Solar Bill Puts Industry on Edge
A bill in the Pennsylvania legislature to accept millions of federal dollars for solar projects for low-income families has suddenly put the state’s solar industry on edge, because of an amendment the...
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 10, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A bill in the Pennsylvania legislature to accept millions of federal dollars for solar projects for low-income families has suddenly put the state’s solar industry on edge, because of an amendment they worry will upend net-metering. www.alleghenyfront.org/amendment-to...
A new 3,200-acre data center campus in Indiana County will be built for artificial intelligence and other computing needs that will be powered by the largest natural gas power plant in the country. www.alleghenyfront.org?p=17190&prev...
Largest natural gas power plant in the country, data center coming to former Homer City coal plant
The 3,200-acre data center campus for artificial intelligence and other computing needs will be built on site of the former coal-fired plant.
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April 3, 2025 at 2:03 PM
A new 3,200-acre data center campus in Indiana County will be built for artificial intelligence and other computing needs that will be powered by the largest natural gas power plant in the country. www.alleghenyfront.org?p=17190&prev...
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin recently announced the agency would be rolling back 31 environmental rules. He called it the “largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history.” How ill that impact public health? www.alleghenyfront.org/trump-epa-ro...
Trump's EPA head vowed to roll back dozens of regulations. What impact will that have on public health?
Many of the rules were put in place to protect health and the environment. How will groups push back on the EPA's new deregulatory agenda?
www.alleghenyfront.org
April 1, 2025 at 3:10 PM
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin recently announced the agency would be rolling back 31 environmental rules. He called it the “largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history.” How ill that impact public health? www.alleghenyfront.org/trump-epa-ro...
An organizer of this weekend's Pittsburgh Youth for Climate Action Summit says it gives her hope to be involved with a group who cares about climate change. www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-y...
Advice from a youth climate organizer
An organizer of the upcoming Pittsburgh Youth for Climate Action Summit says it gives her hope to be involved with a group who cares about climate change.
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March 28, 2025 at 9:03 PM
An organizer of this weekend's Pittsburgh Youth for Climate Action Summit says it gives her hope to be involved with a group who cares about climate change. www.alleghenyfront.org/pittsburgh-y...