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In August, Steelton-Highspire became the first school district in Pennsylvania to operate a fully electric fleet, and the first in the country to have its entire bus fleet supported by a solar array. (Steelton-Highspire School District)

Federal funding drives PA's increase in electric school buses

Many Pennsylvania students now ride electric buses to school. Some $900 million from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program …

En agosto de 2024, Steelton-Highspire se convirti� en el primer distrito escolar de Pensilvania en operar una flota totalmente el�ctrica y el primero del pa�s en tener toda su flota de autobuses respaldada por un sistema solar. (Distrito escolar de Steelton-Highspire)<br />

Financiación federal impulsa aumento de autobuses escolares eléctricos en PA

Muchos alumnos de Pensilvania ahora van a la escuela en autobuses eléctricos. Unos $900 millones de dólares del Programa Clean School Bus …

Clean energy will be essential to improving air quality and health, reducing the state's carbon<br />footprint, and fighting climate change, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental<br />Protection. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)<br />

Western PA leads the charge in 'green economy'

Pittsburgh is emerging as a leader in innovative solutions like electric vehicles and clean energy to combat the climate crisis. The group Elected …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $1.2 billion to Pennsylvania for expanding reliable high-speed internet access statewide. (WavebreakMediaMicro)

PA mayor puts bipartisan infrastructure law funding to work

A Pennsylvania city is using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase safety, prevent crime, improve housing and more. Matt Tuerk…

Danyelle Blackwell, Councilwoman, Upper Darby Township, District 4 PA goes for a test drive in an EV during EOPA's United for Health and Energy Security Tour, (Lauren Urbiztondo)

Electric vehicle tour touts clean energy, job creation, cost savings

Pittsburgh is one stop on a nationwide summer tour to raise awareness about electric vehicles and clean energy. The group Elected Officials to …

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation faced unprecedented levels of damage caused by floods and landslides in 2018, leading to costs exceeding $125.7 million for repairing and replacing infrastructure across the state. (Alliance/Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvania braces for extreme weather exacerbated by climate change

Despite the official start of the summer season on Thursday, climate change is exacerbated by extreme weather events in the Keystone State. The …

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates its new clean car standards will reduce air pollution enough to provide $13 billion in annual health benefits. (Rh2010/Adode Stock)

PA leaders unite to champion federal clean car standards

The Environmental Protection Agency's new clean car standards are getting praise from groups in Pennsylvania. The EPA estimated by 2032, more than …

Making a big push to reduce pollution by 2030 is expected to create jobs spread across many industries, from building wind turbines and electric cars to cleaning up abandoned oil wells and developing new technologies. (Rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Advocates back tougher EPA emissions rules for cars, trucks

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from …

According to the Insurance Information Institute, between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, more than 1.8 million insurance claims involving animal collisions were reported. Pennsylvania had the most of any state, with an estimated 153,397 claims. (Bignai/Adobe Stock)

Actions urged to reduce, prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions in PA

Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-59 chance of being involved in an animal-related crash, third-highest in the nation. Wildlife advocates are …

PA schools could soon be powered by sun as solar bill advances to Senate

Bipartisan legislation that proposes the installation of solar panels in schools across Pennsylvania awaits a vote in the state Senate. The Solar …

Pittston is one of 56 projects in 37 counties which were selected to expand access to reliability of EV charging in Pennsylvania. (Kevin McGovern/Adobe Stock)<br />

EV companies call for expanded heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure

Clean-energy companies and supporters are calling on federal officials to prioritize the development of charging infrastructure for EV powered medium …

An Environmental Defense Fund analysis revealed a shift to electric vehicles could cut more than 800 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year by 2040. (VisualArtStudio/Adobe Stock)

More PA motorists make the switch to electric vehicles

A Pennsylvania environmental group is touting electric vehicles as both cost-effective for drivers and a means to address climate change. Keystone …

Pennsylvania is working to reduce its net greenhouse-gas emissions 26% by 2025. One strategy is to replace 25% of the state passenger car fleet with battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars. (Michael Flippo/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Interest for EVs Grows in PA

Car prices are dropping, both for gas-powered and electric vehicles. So, are more Pennsylvanians planning to buy EVs? A report by iSeeCars found …

The Philadelphia Public School District purchased its first five electric school buses in 2022 and says it plans to expand its fleet this year to reduce its carbon footprint. (Viktoriia/Adobe Stock)

More PA Districts Look to Upgrade School Buses with EPA Grants

School districts in Pennsylvania and across the country can apply for grant funding to get new buses that run on cleaner fuel sources. There's $400 …

One of Pittsburgh's building efficiency goals is to reduce energy and water consumption by 50% by 2030, according to the city's Climate Action Plan. (Checubus/Adobe Stock)

Pittsburgh Plans for Climate Goal with Priority-Based Budgeting

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, from October 2021 to September 2022, Pennsylvania has received a record $480.5 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program available this fiscal year. (Andreykr/AdobeStock)

PA Leaders Focus on Infrastructure, Transportation During NLC Conference

City leaders from Pennsylvania and across the country convened in Washington, D.C., this week for the National League of Cities Congressional City …

If the new Railway Safety Act of 2023 rail is passed, carriers would face heightened fines for wrongdoing, and it would substantially increase the maximum fine USDOT can issue for safety violations. (Brian Dunn/Wirestock Creators/AdobeStock)

PA: New Legislation To Prevent Future Train Derailments

Hoping to avoid future train disasters like Norfolk Southern's derailment in East Palestine, a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers has …

REAL ID-compliant products are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. (Commonwealth Media Services)

REAL ID Enforcement on Domestic Flights Starts May 2023

Federal enforcement of REAL ID for commercial domestic air travel and other purposes will start one year from today, and Pennsylvania officials are …

The state says more than 3,300 bridges in Pennsylvania are

PA Rethinks Funding Methods for Road, Bridge Repairs

Gov. Tom Wolf delivers his final budget proposal today, and transportation leaders are hopeful he'll discuss funds for infrastructure, after last …

El estado dice que m�s de 3,300 puentes en Pensilvania son

Revisa PA sus métodos de financiación para reparaciones de puentes y carreteras

El gobernador Tom Wolf entrega hoy su propuesta de presupuesto final y los líderes del transporte esperan que discuta los fondos para la infraest…

According to guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, American Rescue Plan Act dollars can be used to create new trails and parks, along with making improvements to those already existing. (Adobe Stock)

PA Municipalities Consider Using ARPA Funds for Outdoor Recreation

As local municipalities consider ways to use an influx of funds from the American Rescue Plan, some communities see it as an opportunity to support …

An instructor uses an advanced electrical trainer to educate a student at NVI Blairsville, which opened this month. (NVI Blairsville)

Institute Reopens Auto Trade School at PA's Former WyoTech Campus

Interest in trade schools is growing across the country, and a new one in Pennsylvania aims to fill the nationwide workforce shortage of auto and …

Supporting Neighborhood Ownership with Public Art

By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Ohio News Service, reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

The majority of Pennsylvania's greenhouse-gas emissions are from energy consumption. (Adobe Stock)

PA Becomes 2nd State to Offer Climate-Change Leadership Training

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania is now the second state in the country to launch a program focused on training state and local leaders on tackling …

Pennsylvania's parks and recreation economy provides an estimated $1.9 billion annually in state and local tax revenue. (Adobe Stock)

PA Mayors Call on Congress to Pass Parks, Jobs & Equity Act

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A petition signed by 19 mayors from across Pennsylvania urges the state's congressional delegation to pass the Parks, Jobs…

Both energy and climate advocates agree investment in electrifying transportation would have positive economic and health benefits for Pennsylvanians. (Andrew Roberts/Unsplash)

Report: Push for Electric Vehicles in American Jobs Plan would Benefit PA

PHILADELPHIA - A new report predicts big benefits for Pennsylvania, and millions of jobs nationwide, if Congress decides to invest in upgrading the …

House Democrats in Congress have proposed a 5-year, reauthorizing $760 billion in infrastructure spending and a plan for how the money would be spent. (batya/Adobe Stock)

Local Officials Bring Their Concerns to Washington

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Mayors, councilmembers and other local elected officials were in Washington this week to talk about their agenda for this …

Consumer Reports says when combined with a home solar system, electric vehicle �fuel� costs could be zero. (scharfsinn86/Adobe Stock)

Consumers Push for Tougher Car Emissions Standards

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Surveys show growing consumer interest in low-emission and zero-emission electric vehicles, but some automakers are backing …

Some experts are convinced that slowing climate change will require a rapid transition to electric vehicles. (rcfotostock/Adobe Stock)

Senate Proposal Creates Jobs by Investing in Electric Cars

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Clean air advocates say combating climate change requires switching from gas-powered cars to clean electric vehicles…

Changing seasonal weather, severe storms, drought and flooding are affecting businesses of all types in the Keystone State. (eric/Adobe Stock)

Report Shows Climate Change Impact on PA Businesses

PITTSBURGH – Companies doing business in Pennsylvania are warning investors that climate change is a threat to productivity and profits…

ORSANCO has managed pollution controls on the entire Ohio River system since 1948. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

PA Could Affect Ohio River Commission Vote

PITTSBURGH – The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission will vote this week on a proposal that critics say would weaken environmental pro…

Mayors from 19 cities have committed to buying more than 300 electric vehicles in the first year. (Mikes Photos/pexels.com)

Cities Fueling a Major Push for Electric Vehicles

PITTSBURGH — Mayors from cities around the country are joining together in a major push for cleaner transportation. City leaders who attended …

Public-health advocates say switching to electric cars will clear the air and help children breathe. (USAF)

AG, Health Advocates Oppose Fuel-Efficiency Rollback

HARRISBURG, Pa. – State leaders and health advocates say the EPA's plan to freeze the fuel efficiency standard is bad for public health…

More than a million commuters ride SEPTA trains and buses daily. (Buswizard [Public domain]/Wikimedia Commons)

SEPTA Sued for Banning Ads About Housing Discrimination

PHILADELPHIA – Banning ads about controversial issues is a violation of free-speech rights – that's the claim of a lawsuit filed against t…

As electric vehicles increase their range, more charging stations will be needed to meet the demand. (pxhere)

Electric-Vehicle Bill a Potential Win for PA

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania is lagging behind some other states in creating the infrastructure to support electric vehicles, but a bill …

Five of the top 50 U.S. cities for asthma are located in Pennsylvania. (Dick Swanson/EPA)

Ozone and Pollen: Double Threat in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A new analysis ranks Pennsylvania high on the list of areas where smog and pollen combine to threaten respiratory health…

In one study 45 percent of those surveyed said they lost their jobs after their licenses had been suspended. (Jeffrey M. Vinocur/Wikimedia Commons)

Report Calls for Ending Automatic License Suspensions

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania should join the majority of states in ending the practice of automatically suspending the drivers' licenses of anyone …

Pennsylvania bat populations have been devastated by human activity and disease. Now, they face another threat from oil and gas development. (Don Pfritzer/Wikimedia Commons)

Proposal Would Allow Killing of Endangered Bats

BRISTOL, Pa. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting public comments on a proposal to allow oil and gas companies to kill bats…

Parents and children wanted township supervisors to deny the permit for Range Resources to drill a third natural gas well near a school. (Moms Clean Air Force)

Parents Oppose Permit for Gas Well Near School

MOUNT PLEASANT, Pa. – Over parents' objections, a permit has been granted for a third natural gas well to be drilled near a public school in …

Delaware Riverkeeper says the PennEast Pipeline would clear 400 acres of forest and cross 234 bodies of water. (Niteshift/Wikimedia Commons)

Group Slams Pipeline Draft Environmental Impact Statement

BRISTOL, Pa. – The public comment period on the PennEast Pipeline Draft Environmental Impact Statement closed Monday, and one environmental …

Semi trucks traveling across Pennsylvania will soon have to include improved carbon-emissions technology. (Tony Webster/flickr.com)

Big Changes For Big Rig Emissions on PA Roads

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania drivers have to share the road with thousands of heavy-duty trucks that transport thousands of pounds of goods across …

EQAT says reaching 20-percent solar-generated power would reduce carbon emissions and create jobs for Pennsylvania. (MariaGodfrida/Pixabay)

PA Advocates Demand Local Solar and Green Jobs

UPPER DARBY, Pa. - Clean-energy advocates in Pennsylvania are demanding more solar power, and the jobs that go with it. Over the past year, members …

About 40 Philadelphia buildings competed in a race to reduce energy use by 5 percent. (brigitsnow/Pixabay)

Report: Billion-Dollar Benefits to Business from Clean Power Plan

PHILADELPHIA — The Obama administration's Clean Power Plan was finalized one year ago today, and a new report says that the plan could provide …

Some communities where gas production boomed now are struggling. (Molly/Flickr)

Learning Lessons from Gas Drilling's Boom, Bust

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania gets poor grades for its response to the boom in shale gas drilling, but a pair of new reports could help …

MAP: A new report documents how U.S. cities can utilize rooftop solar to leverage lower municipal energy bills, taxes and pollution. It says four cities in Pennsylvania could generate 100 megawatts from solar on city buildings, part of five gigawatts nationally. Map courtesy the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Cities Save on Energy Through Rooftop Solar

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Some U.S. cities are using solar power to cut their energy bills, and a new report shows how mid-sized cities could install …

PHOTO: The Senate Appropriations Committee gets back to work on Amtrak's budget, and Senators from the Northeast Corridor say the issue not only impacts train safety, but traffic jams as well. Photo credit - National Transportation Safety Board.

Amtrak Budget Debate "Puts Safety and Congestion at Stake"

HARRISBURG, Pa. - As folks head back to work after the holiday, Senators along the Northeast corridor say the rails would be a whole lot safer and …

PHOTO: A witness who fled Monday's huge derailment and explosion in West Virginia says it has changed how he looks at rail shipment of crude oil. Photo courtesy Office of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

Derailment And Blast “Could Have Been Right By My House”

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A witness who fled Monday's train derailment and massive fire in West Virginia says he can't help but wonder now if he and …

PHOTO: New research finds drivers of 2014 model vehicles are saving about 20 percent more on gasoline than those who drive a 2008 model. Photo credit: John Sense/morguefile.

Newer Cars Saving PA Drivers Money at the Gas Pump

HARRISBURG, Penn. – Pennsylvanians who traveled the roads over the holiday weekend likely felt the pinch at the gas pump, but some spent a lot …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 18, 2024

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PA: Urban Planning and Transportation