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Marie Cusick

As the Harrisburg reporter for StateImpact Pennsylvania, Marie Cusick covers energy and environmental issues for public radio stations statewide. She’s also part of NPR’s energy and environment team, which coordinates coverage between the network and select member station reporters around the country. Her work frequently airs on NPR shows including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. Since 2012, Marie has closely followed the political, social, environmental, and economic effects of Pennsylvania’s natural gas boom. Her work has been recognized at the regional and national levels– honors include a Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists and a national Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association. Previously, Marie was a multimedia reporter for WMHT in Albany, New York and covered technology for the station’s statewide public affairs TV show, New York NOW. In 2018, she became StateImpact’s first FAA-licensed drone pilot.

Latest by Marie Cusick


Trailblazing group of attorneys who enforced Pennsylvania environmental laws in 1970s looks to ‘rise again’

New environmental laws and the creation of the EPA created an opening for what became informally known as the “environmental strike force.” Now, some of them want to take up the cause again.

By Marie Cusick

Research shows thousands could be saved with better air quality standards

Researchers found that more than 30,000 lives could be saved annually if air pollution standards were more stringent.

By Marie Cusick

Poll: Broad support for Wolf’s plan to tax gas drillers to pay for infrastructure upgrades

The proposal calls for $4.5 billion in infrastructure initiatives over four years, funded by a severance tax on natural gas. It would be targeted at things like mitigating flooding, addressing blight and expanding broadband access.

By Marie Cusick

Brunner Island plant will pay $1 million fine for coal ash pollution

A year ago, four environmental groups threatened to sue over Clean Water Act violations, saying the plant was discharging toxic pollutants from its unlined coal ash ponds.

By Marie Cusick

Navy site in Mechanicsburg to host PFAS open house

As part of a Navy-wide effort, the installation, which serves as a warehousing and logistics site, has reached out to nearby residents who have private water wells to do testing.

By Marie Cusick

Three Mile Island Unit 2, site of nation’s worst nuclear accident, to be sold, dismantled

EnergySolutions would buy the site from the reactor’s owner, First Energy. The deal does not include the still-operational Unit 1 reactor.

By Marie Cusick

Cities, attorneys general call for new leader of PJM Interconnection to focus on clean energy

The power grid operator’s board has received appeals from around the country to ensure its next leader prioritizes clean energy

By Marie Cusick

This rare butterfly has found refuge at an unlikely place: a Pennsylvania military base

Military land may seem a surprising haven for wildlife, but it can be, because it often isn’t welcoming to lots of people and development.

By Marie Cusick


State officials ask for public’s help combating spotted lanternfly

The insect is seen as a significant threat to Pennsylvania’s grape, tree fruit, hardwood and nursery industries.

By Marie Cusick
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