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Rachel McDevitt

Rachel McDevitt reports on energy, the environment, and climate change for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.

Rachel covers Pennsylvania state government’s policy on climate change, its effects on people, and lawmakers’ approach to the industries that generate many of Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions. Her work through the collaborative Climate Solutions puts special focus on communities and individuals working to address the effects of climate disruption.

Her stories have aired nationally on the NPR shows Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and Science Friday.

Rachel joined WITF in 2014 as a Radio Pennsylvania reporter before becoming the local host of All Things Considered in 2017. The western Pennsylvania native started her journalism career with the CBS affiliate in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Rachel holds a degree in Communications and Spanish from Temple University.

Latest by Rachel McDevitt


Methane leaks from pipelines targeted by proposed federal rule

The rule is part of the Biden Administration’s pledge to reduce methane emissions 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.

By Rachel McDevitt

Three Mile Island enters new phase of cleanup

Three Mile Island Unit 2 is moving into an active clean-up period known as DECON.

By Rachel McDevitt

Home energy use can be expensive and contribute to climate change. New programs aim to cut bills and emissions

New federal money and state programs that aim to help people save on their energy bills while reducing planet-warming emissions.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. lawmakers examine cryptocurrency’s waste coal use

In Pennsylvania, some crypto-mining companies are taking advantage of incentives for burning waste coal and remediating former mineland.

By Rachel McDevitt

EPA working with 5 Pa. farms on targeted pollution reduction to benefit Chesapeake Bay

Pennsylvania has been lagging behind other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed on pollution reduction goals.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. electric rates to go down for some this summer

Electric utilities will update their default rates, known as the price-to-compare, on June 1.

By Rachel McDevitt

EPA reaches settlement over Pa. pollution to Chesapeake Bay

Pennsylvania has been lagging behind other bay states in meeting clean-up goals set for 2025.

By Rachel McDevitt

Central Pa. air quality worsens in one measure for third straight year

The new State of the Air report from the American Lung Association finds the Harrisburg area worsened in daily particle pollution for the third straight year.

By Rachel McDevitt

Earth Day event in Lancaster aims to give people hope in the face of climate change

The free summit starts at 9 a.m. April 22 at the Ware Center in Lancaster.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. to get $6 million in grants for climate change planning from the Environmental Protection Agency

The commonwealth will receive up to a $3 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant through the program set up by the Inflation Reduction Act.

By Rachel McDevitt
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