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Rachel McDevitt

I report on energy and the environment for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.

My work focuses on responses and solutions to climate change in the state legislature and communities around the state. I trace my interest in these issues back to my time as a Girl Scout and this episode of Rocko’s Modern Life.

I look forward to winter just for the chance to ski a few times each season. I try to keep myself from doom-scrolling on my phone by keeping my hands busy knitting and learning to play the piano.

I grew up in Cambria County, Pa. and graduated from Temple University. I started at WITF just after Christmas in 2014.

Latest by Rachel McDevitt


Biden administration visits central Pa. glass plant to tout clean manufacturing standards

The Vitro Glass plant in Cumberland County uses oxy-fuel technology to reduce its natural gas use by 20%.

By Rachel McDevitt

Heaviest Pa. storms drop 60% more rain than they used to, report says

A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, which can fuel heavy rain events and flash floods.

By Rachel McDevitt

Updated: May 14, 2024 | 11:28 am

PPL to pay into assistance fund, not collect owed bills in proposed settlement

PPL estimated more than 860,000 bills between December 2022 and May 2023.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. House bill sets efficiency standards for new water fixtures, commercial appliances

Environmentalists hailed the bill as a conservation effort that could help address climate change, while opponents argued it is an example of government overreach that will drive up costs.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. Senate passes bill to change permit reviews for energy projects

It’s the latest attempt by Republican state lawmakers to speed up permitting by allowing outside parties to review applications.

By Rachel McDevitt

York pilot program prepares students for green energy jobs

Graduates leave prepared to do home energy audits, seal air leaks, and install insulation.

By Rachel McDevitt

Harrisburg, Lancaster get F grades for air pollution

Harrisburg earned an F for year-round particle pollution and ranked 37th-worst in the country for that measure.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. House measure aims to protect vulnerable communities from heavy pollution burden

The bill would let state regulators deny permits if a plant would create too much of a burden on environmental justice communities.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. lawmakers push bills to bring labor, environmental groups together

Three bills from the package have already passed the House with bipartisan support.

By Rachel McDevitt

$1 million fine levied for major gas leak in western Pa.

The Rager Mountain storage field owned by Equitrans spewed methane gas for nearly two weeks.

By Rachel McDevitt
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