Explore

PennEnvironment Report Reveals Widespread Microplastic Contamination in Delaware River Watershed

PennEnvironment Report Reveals Widespread Microplastic Contamination in Delaware River Watershed

A new report by the PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center, in collaboration with researchers from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, has found microplastics in every water sample taken from 22 waterways within the Delaware River watershed. This includes significant bodies of water such as the Delaware River, the Schuylkill River, and the Brandywine Creek. The study highlights that microplastics are persistent across the entire watershed, affecting areas from the Poconos to the Jersey Shore and the Delaware Bay. The report emphasizes that plastics, which do not biodegrade, break down into smaller microplastic fragments that persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms. These particles are discharged from industrial facilities and wastewater treatment plants, and also enter waterways through biosolids application on land, stormwater runoff, and improper waste disposal. People can also be exposed to microplastics through plastic bottles, cosmetics, and synthetic clothi...

North Carolina DEQ Details NPDES Wastewater Permitting and Compliance

North Carolina DEQ Details NPDES Wastewater Permitting and Compliance

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) has provided comprehensive information regarding its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Wastewater program. This program is responsible for regulating all wastewater discharges into surface waters within North Carolina to control water pollution. The Clean Water Act of 1972 established strict controls, with enforcement delegated to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which then created the NPDES to track and control point sources of pollution. North Carolina received permitting authority from the EPA in 1975. The primary method of control involves issuing permits to dischargers, setting limitations on wastewater flow and constituents. The NPDES program at the Division of Water Resources manages the issuance of these permits, determining the quality and quantity of treated wastewater a receiving stream can assimilate, and collaborating with regional offices. The program also establishes limits for various pollutants ...

Spokane County Launches Adopt-A-Drain Program to Combat Stormwater Pollution

Spokane County Launches Adopt-A-Drain Program to Combat Stormwater Pollution

Spokane County, in collaboration with the City of Spokane, has launched an 'Adopt-A-Drain' program aimed at preventing stormwater pollution and keeping drains clear. This initiative encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to 'adopt' stormwater drains in their communities. Participants are asked to help maintain their adopted drains by sweeping away leaves and debris, ensuring clear pathways for water, especially during snowmelt, and reporting any illicit discharges. The program seeks to educate the public about the critical role of stormwater management in protecting local waterways, including the Spokane River and the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which serves as the region's sole source of drinking water. This community-based approach emphasizes collective responsibility in environmental stewardship.

Governor Shapiro Announces $448 Million in Broadband Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet in Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Announces $448 Million in Broadband Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet in Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside state and local officials, announced the allocation of over $448 million in grants to expand high-speed internet access across 50 counties in Pennsylvania. This funding is part of the first round of awards from Pennsylvania's $711 million federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding, approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration earlier this year. Specifically, Centre and Mifflin counties will receive $29 million for projects aimed at connecting approximately 3,000 homes and businesses. The initiative seeks to address the digital divide, particularly in rural areas where a significant portion of residents lack reliable and affordable internet access. Since 2022, state efforts have already reduced the number of households without high-speed internet by about 60%, from 330,000 to 133,000. The Shapiro administration has also launched pa.gov/connectpa, a website where residents can track when their area is expected to be connected...

Governor Shapiro Announces $152 Million Investment by Bell Evans to Expand Operations in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Announces $152 Million Investment by Bell Evans to Expand Operations in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Announces $152 Million Investment by Bell Evans to Expand Operations in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Secures $152 Million Investment for Bell Evans Expansion, Creating Jobs and Supporting Agriculture

Pennsylvania Secures $152 Million Investment for Bell Evans Expansion, Creating Jobs and Supporting Agriculture

Pennsylvania Secures $152 Million Investment for Bell Evans Expansion, Creating Jobs and Supporting Agriculture

Pennsylvania Grapples with Rapidly Aging Population, Impacting Education and Healthcare

Pennsylvania Grapples with Rapidly Aging Population, Impacting Education and Healthcare

Pennsylvania is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with its population aging at a rate faster than many neighboring states. By 2030, one in three Pennsylvanians will be over 60, and the fastest-growing demographic is individuals over 65, with the over-80 subset increasing particularly rapidly. This trend is attributed to low birth rates, outmigration, and reduced immigration. The aging population is leading to shrinking school enrollments, downsizing universities, and increasing state Medicaid expenditures. For instance, the Keystone Central School District has seen a drop of over 500 students in five years, while 10 post-secondary schools have closed and others have merged over the past decade. Healthcare facilities are also affected, with 25 hospitals closing in the last decade and more at risk, leading to concerns about access to care, especially in rural areas. The state's Independent Fiscal Office is actively analyzing these demographic trends and their fiscal implications.

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro to Announce Major Broadband Investment Across 50 Counties

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro to Announce Major Broadband Investment Across 50 Counties

Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside Brandon Carson, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, and local leaders, is set to announce significant investments aimed at expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet across 50 counties in Pennsylvania. Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has already connected hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians to high-speed internet, reducing the number of locations lacking connectivity from 330,000 to 130,000, a 60% decrease. These new funds are intended to further the administration's goal of ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to affordable, high-speed internet, which is crucial for education, business development, and telemedicine, regardless of their geographic location.

ICE is planning to turn vans into 'mobile detention facilities'

ICE is planning to turn vans into 'mobile detention facilities'

The plan would let ICE hold immigrants in vans for hours during enforcement operations, with few details on food, water or medical care.

Pennsylvania State Capitol Unveils New Nursing Facility for Mothers

Pennsylvania State Capitol Unveils New Nursing Facility for Mothers

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex has introduced a new nursing station designed for mothers who need to breastfeed or pump breast milk. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the PA Department of General Services, and the Shapiro Administration. State Representative Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, unveiled the new nursing pod, which is manufactured by Spaceworx as MomSpace ADA. The facility is equipped with amenities such as an electrical outlet, USB charging port, and shelves, and is wheelchair-accessible. It is intended for use by both visitors to the Capitol and state employees, providing a private, safe, and comfortable space for nursing mothers.

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-associated death

Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-associated death

Pennsylvania confirmed a fifth measles-associated death as cases climbed to 943 across 39 counties amid a growing outbreak.

Governor Shapiro Announces $250 Million for 79 Rapid Deployment Road Projects Across Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro Announces $250 Million for 79 Rapid Deployment Road Projects Across Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, has announced the allocation of $250 million for 79 'Rapid Deployment Projects' aimed at improving over 400 miles of roads in 44 counties across the Commonwealth. This initial funding is part of a larger $775 million commitment from the Motor License Fund, which the Shapiro Administration plans to disburse over the next 18 months to expedite state-owned road repairs. These projects are commencing earlier than scheduled due to the secured funding in the 2026-27 budget. The initiative builds upon PennDOT's anticipated $4 billion investment in projects slated for bidding this year. Governor Shapiro stated that his administration has worked to rebuild Pennsylvania's infrastructure, with PennDOT having improved over 21,800 road miles and advanced work on nearly 2,000 state and local bridges, positioning Pennsylvania among the leading states in infrastructure improvements.