The Allegheny Front

Every week, our 29-minute podcast brings you all the environmental news and stories to keep you in the know in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania.

Episode for June 2, 2023 06/02/2023

Episode for June 2, 2023 Some residents of the Mon Valley say money from an air pollution settlement with U.S. Steel isn't being spent on the public health and environmental projects it was supposed to fund. We'll also dig into state-led efforts to thwart ESG investment strategies that consider risks like climate change. And, teenagers who live in the shadow of a massive new petrochemical plant and nearby the East Palestine train derailment are becoming more aware of environmental threats. News about climate change predictions for Philadelphia, an EPA fine for an Allegheny County polluter, federal funds for orphaned oil and gas wells, and an effort to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/27029724

Episode for May 26, 2023 05/26/2023

Episode for May 26, 2023 If you shine a black light on a southern flying squirrel, it glows pink. But why? We dive into the questions about biofluorescent animals. Plus, we'll hear about how researchers are using a program trained to identify bird species from hours of birdsong recorded in the forest. It's helping in forest and bird conservation. Plus, a $10 million fine for Shell for air pollution violations at its Beaver County ethane cracker and news about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26964855

Episode for May 19, 2023 05/19/2023

Episode for May 19, 2023 After a coal-fired power plant closed, people gathered at a public performance to memorialize what it meant to the community. We were there. And, we talk with the director of The Incline about a seven-newsroom collaboration that examines air pollution and misinformation in southwestern Pennsylvania. Plus, researchers are looking at how drinking water from private wells might increase the risk of illness among children. News about federal proposals to curb pollution from power plants and leaks from pipelines. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26895477

Episode for May 12, 2023 05/12/2023

Episode for May 12, 2023 Shell's ethane cracker in Beaver County has gotten off to a rocky start, with excessive emissions, permit violations and reported odors. Now, some supporters are not questioning if Shell can be a good neighbor. And a new book looks at the opportunities and challenges of reducing our exposure to chemicals to reduce the risk of cancer. Plus, energy efficiency programs that are climate- and budget-friendly. The "Dirty Dozen" list of big climate polluters in Pennsylvania is out, and the Pittsburgh area is a big contributor. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26823651

Episode for May 5, 2023 05/05/2023

Episode for May 5, 2023 At dusk in fields in Pennsylvania and throughout the Great Lakes region in springtime, an odd-looking bird takes to the sky for an elaborate, acrobatic display. We take you there. Three months after the derailment, we look at how people in East Palestine are working through their anxiety with few mental health resources available. Also, a developer pulls the plug on a Clinton County power plant. And invasive spotted lanternfly eggs are hatching. How to take care of these pests, even the young ones. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26759766

Episode for April 28, 2023 04/28/2023

Episode for April 28, 2023 EPA shared the good news with East Palestine residents: testing shows no soil contamination from the train derailment. But some residents say their own tests show they’re still being exposed to toxins. We’ll also hear from investors putting their money behind startups that help fight climate change. Plus, a new study wants to find out if the aggressive, springtime behavior of a typically shy, forest-dwelling bird could be genetic. Also, why Pennsylvania may be seeing more displays of the northern lights in the coming years. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26687031

Episode for April 21, 2023 04/21/2023

Episode for April 21, 2023 Thousands of tons of contaminated soil from the train derailment in East Palestine are going to an incinerator near the Pennsylvania border in East Liverpool, Ohio. Activists say it has a history of violating the Clean Air Act. We'll also hear why a conservation group named the Ohio River the second most endangered river in the country. Plus, Senator Casey touts federal investment for cleaning up waterways polluted by coal mining pollution. A new map highlights renewable energy projects in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26616603

Episode for April 14, 2023 04/14/2023

Episode for April 14, 2023 A decade ago, a train derailed in New Jersey, releasing vinyl chloride – the same chemical from the East Palestine disaster. Residents still have questions about long-term health impacts. Meanwhile, lawmakers and unions are pushing for stronger railroad safety regulations. Plus, in Ohio, a new law was signed by the governor requiring state-owned land, like state parks, to be leased for gas drilling. Environmental groups are suing. We’ll also hear from the new Democratic chair of the Pa. House energy committee on his priorities. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26545545

Episode for April 7, 2023 04/07/2023

Episode for April 7, 2023 We have the details about a tentative settlement between U.S.Steel and plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the 2018 fire at its coke works that knocked out pollution controls for three months. We also hear from the author of a new book about phosphorus, why humans have gone to great lengths to get it for farming, and how it is fueling harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes. Plus, we meet critters that are using a new, springtime habitat in the Laurel Highlands. And the largest coal-fired power plant in Pennsylvania will be closed by July. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26475315

Episode for March 31, 2023 03/31/2023

Episode for March 31, 2023 When the train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, students there were weeks away from the opening night of their school musical. They decided the show must go on. We're there for the dress rehearsal. We'll also hear from the author of a new book about the 1948 air pollution disaster that made Donora, Pennsylvania famous. Plus, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is holding meetings to get feedback about bringing back the American marten to the state's forests. Plus news about U.S. Steel, and the budget for the PA DEP. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26407041

Episode for March 24, 2023 03/24/2023

Episode for March 24, 2023 A former EPA administrator is calling the agency's response to the train derailment in East Palestine too weak. She says it's deferring too much to the state of Ohio. Questions are being asked about the cleanup and testing of the creeks polluted by the derailment. Some researchers say Ohio EPA isn't testing surface water for enough chemicals. Also, trout season is nearly here, with opening day on April 1. We catch up with officials stocking a local lake with some of the 3 million trout that will be released throughout Pennsylvania this year. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26335806

Episode for March 17, 2023 03/17/2023

Episode for March 17, 2023 Spring starts on March 20, but for many places, spring has been here for a while. How does that impact nature? We have the story of one family who isn’t sure if their home or water is safe. We talk with U.S. EPA’s onsite coordinator in East Palestine, who breaks down how the government is monitoring chemical pollution. We have news about fines for U.S. Steel, flaring at Shell’s ethane cracker, and proposed federal rules on PFAS. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26260683

Episode for March 10, 2023 03/10/2023

Episode for March 10, 2023 People in East Palestine want to know whether their homes are polluted by long-lasting chemicals called dioxins from the train derailment last month. We'll also hear from residents near the derailment site who are finding the investents they've made in their homes are worth a lot less after the crash. Plus, an environmental group is trying to stop the US Forest Service from clear cutting a section of national forest to promote the growth of white oak trees. We have news about the Clairton Coke Works air permit and Pa. Gov. Shapiro's environmental priorities in his state budget. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26191917

Episode for March 3, 3023 03/04/2023

Episode for March 3, 3023 We have updates on the train derailment in East Palestine, where many people say they are deeply skeptical of officials who say it is safe to return to their homes. Meanwhile, Republican politicians are walking a fine line in East Palestine: showing concern for residents without being seen as liberal environmentalists. And EPA orders Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins. The Bearded Ladies Cabaret in Philadelphia tackles climate change with a comedy show in drag, on ice. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26123376

Episode for February 24, 2024: The latest on the Ohio train derailment 02/24/2023

Episode for February 24, 2024: The latest on the Ohio train derailment We have more on the aftermath of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. We hear from residents in Beaver County who feel left out of the response and farmers concerned about the black soot they found on their homes and property. Experts are now warning dioxins could be present. Plus, some are looking for additional soil and water testing from independent researchers outside of the government. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/26033412

Episode for February 17, 2023 02/17/2023

Episode for February 17, 2023 We have the latest developments of the East Palestine train derailment that polluted the area with toxic chemicals. We report on a community meeting where tensions ran high as residents asked questions about air and water quality and health impacts. We ask if stricter regulations could have averted the East Palestine train derailment. Plus, a new memoir shares how the life of an environmental policy expert was informed by the work of a Pittsburgh environmental champion. And, we have news about a malfunction at the Shell ethane cracker that led to the flaring of chemicals at the plant. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25968609

Episode for February 10, 2023 02/10/2023

Episode for February 10, 2023 Thousands of residents were allowed to return to their homes after an evacuation order was lifted following the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. We discuss what we know about air and water issues in the aftermath of the crash. We also have reactions to a government report that finds many conventional oil and gas drillers in Pennsylvania aren't following regulations. Plus, lead from bullets is showing up in birds of prey that eat animals shot by hunters and farmers. We'll hear about solutions to the problem. We also have news about an intent to sue Shell over air quality violations at its new ethane cracker, and an order from USEPA to a scrap metal recycler to limit emissions. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25894617

Episode for February 3, 2023 02/03/2023

Episode for February 3, 2023 Can new recycling technologies that break plastics down into their chemical components save us from the plastic waste crisis? We talk with an environmental reporter about a new government study that casts doubt on so-called "advanced" plastic recycling. The North Country National Scenic Trail has only about 20 known hikers who have trekked the entire 4,800 miles through eight states, including Pennsylvania. But in the farm country of northwestern Ohio, one more name is about to be added to the list. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25825812

Episode for January 27, 2023 01/27/2023

Episode for January 27, 2023 One stop for some birds migrating south from Pennsylvania is the cloud forest in Costa Rica. But the cool, misty mountains are getting warmer and drier. We have a report on how birds there are adapting. Plus, closer to home, birders and naturalists oppose new development next to a wetland in Huntington County. They are trying to stop a truck stop from damaging the sensitive habitat. January is National Radon Action month, and that means it's time to test your home for the radioactive, cancer-causing gas. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25747479

Episode for January 20, 2023 01/20/2023

Episode for January 20, 2023 One way to reduce the carbon footprint of your home is to buy an electric heat pump. We look at the pros and cons of this climate solution. The National Weather Service wants the public to become “river ice spotters” to help monitor for ice jams on area rivers. Plus, Frick Park has a new resident: Castor the beaver. We have news about new PFAS standards for drinking water in Pennsylvania, the Chesapeake Bay, and the new Pa. DEP secretary. Finally, scientists are hoping that sound can be the key to restoring oyster populations around the world. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25682223

Episode for January 13, 2023 01/13/2023

Episode for January 13, 2023 State regulators call out the conventional oil and gas industry for a widespread failure to comply with Pennsylvania environmental regulations. And, an art exhibit aims to give trees the legal tools to protect themselves. Plus, we go forest bathing in Frick Park to improve our mental and physical health. We also have news about a proposed new federal limit for soot, an investigation into a Christmas Day natural gas explosion, and Pa. Governor-elect Josh Shapiro's choice for DEP secretary. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25603524

Episode for January 6, 2023 01/06/2023

Episode for January 6, 2023 Environmental groups say they found high levels of benzene in the air in the Mon Valley near Pittsburgh and want federal regulators to step in. Also, natural history museum specimens like mice stuffed with cotton and preserved for decades give researchers important information about the environment. But these collections are at risk. Plus, the US Postal Service reverses course and commits to converting its fleet of vehicles to electric. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25528596

Episode for December 30, 2022 12/30/2022

Episode for December 30, 2022 This week, we're looking back to some of the environmental issues we covered in 2022, like hydrogen. It's been seen as the clean fuel of the future for decades. Now the Biden administration is putting money into it. So, is it finally hydrogen’s time? We'll also hear about towns in Pennsylvania trying to get ahead of climate change, extreme weather and flooding. Plus, we talk with the author of a new bird guide for enthusiasts and beginners alike. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25467732

Episode for December 23, 2022 12/23/2022

Episode for December 23, 2022 This week, we revisit some of our favorite stories about nature, food and environmental champions. 2022 was the 60th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," a book that questioned the indiscriminate use of synthetic chemicals and became an instant classic. We move from nonfiction to poetry that explores the damage people have done to each other and nature. Plus, we look at life along the Delaware River with an angler who is witnessing a changing landscape. And we talk with the author of a cookbook that offers vegan versions of Midwest comfort food. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25420833

Episode for December 16, 2022 12/16/2022

Episode for December 16, 2022 Lawmakers in Ohio passed a bill to make it easier to frack in state parks, raising fears of pollution and disruption of outdoor recreation. We also follow up on the massive gas leak at a Cambria County storage site where the company failed to clean up oil and gas brine spilled on the ground. Plus, we head out on a walk with Tree Pittsburgh to learn how to identify trees in the winter. We also have news about fines for a contractor for dumping gas waste around Fayette County, air pollution violations at Shell’s new ethane cracker, and a new program to help farmers make money. And, we find out why Cabot Oil and Gas, which just pleaded no contest to 15 criminal charges, including nine felonies for polluting drinking water in Dimock, Pa., is allowed to frack under the town. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25353816

Episode for December 9, 2022 12/09/2022

Episode for December 9, 2022 This week, we take an in-depth look at a first-of-its-kind wind energy project approved for construction in Lake Erie. But the biggest barrier to more wind projects on the Great Lakes is public opposition. Plus, residents in Dimock, a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania, will finally have clean drinking water after a fracking company pleaded no contest to polluting their private wells more than a decade ago. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25280082

Episode for December 2, 2022 12/02/2022

Episode for December 2, 2022 A massive leak at a natural gas storage facility in western Pennsylvania raises a lot of questions. We’ll also hear about a genetically modified American chestnut tree that can resist a deadly blight that’s on track to be deregulated by the federal government. And testing is crucial on farms and at wildlife centers to make sure that birds are not infected with a highly contagious avian flu that’s already led to the deaths of more than 4 million birds in Pennsylvania. We also have news about air pollution rules for conventional (not fracked) gas and oil wells, and the failure of Pennsylvania to meet its Chesapeake Bay goals. Plus, Rutgers University develops an oyster reef ecosystem to prevent beach erosion. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25200624

Episode for November 18, 2022 11/18/2022

Episode for November 18, 2022 This week, we discuss how the $2 billion in tax credit Gov. Wolf just signed into law benefits natural gas, including creating a hydrogen hub in Pennsylvania. We'll also hear about a solar farm project that will provide electricity to the University of Pittsburgh. But students calling for the school to divest from fossil fuels aren't satisfied. Plus, Shell's ethane cracker officially opens. And an environmental reporter blows off some steam during a solo hike. We have news about the and a fine for a gas company for spills of fracking fluid. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/25067835

Episode for November 11, 2022 11/11/2022

Episode for November 11, 2022 As climate change brings more risks to traditional farming, farmers are trying to make sure their crops survive. With the COP27 talks underway, the US and other wealthier nations are working to transition countries like South Africa away from fossil fuels. Plus, we visit an urban farm in Pittsburgh that teaches neighbors how to grow and cook seasonal veggies. And, a Philly hiking group is improving women’s wellness. We have news about federal money for abandoned mine cleanup and for projects for monitoring air quality. Pa. Governor Tom Wolf signs a $2 billion natural gas tax credit bill. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/24982929

Episode for November 4, 2022 11/04/2022

Episode for November 4, 2022 One company is mining Bitcoin to keep two waste coal power plants in Pennsylvania running. But what's the climate impact? A new report concludes that coal plants aren't doing enough to clean up coal ash disposal sites that are contaminating groundwater. Plus, an urban farmer in Pittsburgh had to overcome significant challenges to clean up her property to start her enterprise. We have news about microplastics in Pennsylvania waterways and federal funding to help coal communities. /episode/index/show/alleghenyfront/id/24910722

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