As the Department of Environmental Protection gathers public comment on a proposed rulemaking to cut emissions of climate-changing methane from Pennsylvania's natural gas industry, new data from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) paints a stark picture of what's at stake: current emissions up to fifteen times higher than official estimates, and projected emissions of up to 14 million tons a year by 2030. EDF researcher Hillary Hull explains.

These days, environmental issues are politically charged in a way that can make sound, commonsense policy seem unattainable. But it wasn't always like that -- and it doesn't have to be.

Tom Ridge, the Republican former governor of Pennsylvania, says he's an environmentalist because of -- not in spite of -- his conservative values.

Any way you slice it, coal-fired power generation is on its way out. That leaves two likely scenarios for Pennsylvania's electricity sector in the next decade: a modest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with little economic impact, or a dramatic reduction coupled with massive investment in energy innovation and efficiency. Department of Environmental Protection energy advisor Hayley Book breaks down the costs and benefits of membership in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as detailed in DEP's latest statistical modeling.

At 96, Thomas Dolan is part of a very exclusive club: surviving founders of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. As we mark the 50th Earth Day this week, we continue our celebration of PEC's own semi-centennial with reflections from someone who was there when it all began.

Pennsylvania's trout season opened as scheduled earlier this week, but anglers must abide by the same social distancing rules that apply in any public place. PA Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaefer discusses the agency's response to COVID-19.

In this time of social distancing, one of the best and safest ways to stay connected with nature is by getting to know the creatures in your own backyard -- especially the myriad bird species migrating to or through Pennsylvania this time of year. PEC's resident birder, Cindy Ferguson, explains why there's never been a better time to take up the hobby.

As investors grow wary of fossil fuels and big companies prioritize sustainability, where will Pennsylvania fit in the post-carbon economy? Analysis from Steven Clarke and Alli Gold-Roberts of Ceres, a nonprofit that advocates for clean energy in the business community.

Community supported agriculture gives subscribers access to fresh, locally grown produce without the trouble and expense of growing it themselves. Community solar does the same thing for renewable energy -- creating economic opportunity for communities, savings for ratepayers, resiliency and efficiency for the grid, and cleaner air for the planet. But community solar could also be a lifeline for struggling Pennsylvania farmers. Sarah Wochos and Lucy Bullock-Sieger of the Coalition for Community Solar Access explain how.

The Circuit Trails initiative is starting 2020 with a full slate of projects and a hefty funding boost courtesy of Montgomery County. We talk with Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Circuit advocate and chair of Montco's Board of Commissioners, and PEC's own Patrick Starr, who serves as vice chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition.

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) provides support for community watershed organizations to build capacity and coordinate more effectively with one another. This spring they’re taking their show on the road, with regional workshops planned for six locations all over the state. Program manager Tali MacArthur has a preview of the workshop series and more from the 2020 POWR agenda.