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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


Josh Shapiro proposes state climate program to replace RGGI, and asks for new renewable energy goals

Shapiro estimates the proposals would save ratepayers $250 million over five years and create 14,500 jobs.

By Rachel McDevitt

If you made clean energy upgrades in 2023, it might be time to claim your tax credit

This tax season, people can claim credits for clean energy and EV purchases from 2023.

By Rachel McDevitt

Old trees, heavy rain and high heat are climate concerns for Harrisburg neighbors

We met with four neighbors in Harrisburg’s Allison Hill to learn about climate effects.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. gains new abandoned gas wells as it sets records capping old ones

The state awarded more than $23 million in contracts to plug wells in 2023.

By Rachel McDevitt

Penn State study shows themes for farmers negotiating solar leases

Profit alone isn’t enough for farmers to sign over control of their land.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. environmental, religious and other groups criticize Shapiro plan for ignoring climate change

More than 100 advocacy groups say Shapiro’s “fossil fuels-first all-of-the-above energy strategy” does not move at the speed of climate change.

By Rachel McDevitt

Updated: February 2, 2024 | 10:44 pm

Pa. gets $101 million to clean up old mines

The grant money comes from the 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

By Rachel McDevitt

Climate change could contribute to honey declines, study says

Penn State researchers looked at 50 years worth of data on honey production by state as a way of measuring how the landscape of available flowers has shifted over that time.

By Rachel McDevitt

Updated: January 29, 2024 | 5:24 pm

Pa. tells frackers to disclose chemicals, but it’s not clear exactly what changes the public will see

Drillers are already required to record which chemicals they use in plans they make for each site. They had to turn those plans into the Department of Environmental Protection only if requested. 

By Rachel McDevitt

Heavy duty diesel vehicles to be replaced with electric through grant program funded by Volkswagen settlement

The money is slated for electric garbage trucks, freight trucks, and delivery vehicles, as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and charging stations.

By Rachel McDevitt
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