Episode for January 10, 2025: How could the ownership of US Steel impact air quality?

The Allegheny Front

A well pad explosion in Ohio has caused some local communities to worry about the safety of oil and gas. What does the Farm Bill have to do with climate change? A bid to sell U.S. Steel to a Japanese company gets shot down by President Biden. What does it mean for air quality in the region? A new state program that aims to save schools money through solar energy is open for applications. States have begun rolling out new federally funded rebates to help households pay for energy efficiency upgrades and electric appliances. However, the programs are in limbo in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. A renowned geoscientist and Penn State professor is one of this year’s recipients for the National Medal of Science.

And, Congress approved an extension of the Farm Bill in December but has yet to pass a new five-year version. Pennsylvania’s state amphibian, the Eastern hellbender, could soon get federal protections. Vultures have a bad reputation, but a bird lover says they're worth a second look.