The Allegheny Front

By The Allegheny FrontNews Science Natural Sciences

The Allegheny Front episodes

February 18, 2022 Plugging oil/gas wells; SCOTUS climate case; A new champion for outdoor recreation
The federal infrastructure law will give $330 million to Pa. to clean up abandoned oil/gas wells. Plus, the Supreme Court is set to hear a case about regulating greenhouse gas emissions that could have big implications. And, a conversation with Pennsylvania’s first director of outdoor recreation.
29 min
February 11, 2022 Connecting severe winter storms with climate change; What Indigenous science can teach us about conservation
Severe winter storms can make running a business more unpredictable. But what's the climate connection? And, a new book contrasts Western conservation with Indigenous science. We check out what it's like to live on an island in the Great Lakes. Plus, debunking myths about the spotted lanternfly.
29 min
February 04, 2022 Fracking and the risk of premature death; solar misconceptions
A study finds the elderly living near fracking sites have a higher risk of dying prematurely. Plus, a pipeline company is charged with environmental crimes.‌ ‌A climate reporter wants to hear from you. And, a look at the role of fire at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
29 min
January 28, 2022 U.S. Steel lawsuit; deadly tick-borne disease found in Pa.
Plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against U.S. Steel asked a judge to find the company violated the Clean Air Act 12,000 times after a 2018 fire. A rare but deadly virus carried by deer ticks has been found in high numbers in a township park. A city kid learns to love winter through a cold and snowy camping trip.
29 min
January 21, 2022 Cryptocurrencies and waste coal; Impaired streams; Unplugging in the woods
How waste coal is fueling Bitcoin in Pennsylvania. A new state report says a third of Pa. streams are impaired. A grant will help disadvantaged farmers get conservation assistance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We take a winter hike to appreciate nature and head to a cabin in the woods to unplug.
29 min
January 15, 2022 Remembering E.O. Wilson; Bees in Pa.; Black farmers
The life and work of famed biologist E.O. Wilson. A researcher is hoping to fill in the gaps on Pennsylvania's bee populations. Black farmers in Pittsburgh are looking to provide fresh, local food in an area with no grocery store. A local teen focuses on litter.
29 min
January 07, 2022 Coal's catastrophic environmental legacy; Farming made easier
We talk to a reporter who has chronicled the catastrophic environmental legacy of coal. Advocates hope new federal money will help clean up waterways polluted from mine drainage. A startup uses technology to make farming easier. The Mariner East pipeline, plagued by delays and environmental damage, will soon be finished.
29 min
December 30, 2021 Some (good) news stories from 2021
Some good news stories from 2021: Conservationists work to keep a pristine glacial lake near Erie protected. Pennsylvanians have a lot of choices when it comes to electricity providers. A long-time environmental journalist reflects on his career. Plus, enterprising siblings recycle cans for cash.
29 min
December 24, 2021 Stories from 2021: Black bears in Pa.; Dragonflies on the Ohio; DumpBusters in Pittsburgh
We feature environmental stories that gave us hope in 2021. We head into the woods to learn about Pa.’s black bears. We join a crew cleaning up trash at an illegal dump site. Plus, we hear from the director of a nonprofit focused on bringing fresh produce to people, and researchers who found an indicator of good water quality in the Ohio River.
29 min
December 18, 2021 Organic farmers squeezed by inflation; A new sci-fi novel imagines a future "Scrappalachia" full of plastic pollution
We learn how local organic farmers are getting squeezed by inflation. The author of a new sci-fi book about plastic pollution envisions the region as “Scrappalachia.” Plus, we learn about a common little owl that blends in with its surroundings, but can’t hide its distinctive calls."
30 min