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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


‘Life Waste’ is a musical tour of the potential of biogas

Valley Traction plans to perform Life Waste: a Biogas Musical this weekend on the Dickinson College Farm in Boiling Springs.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. solar companies would need to plan for eventual cleanup under bill in state House

The measure asks solar companies to show they can afford to clean up projects once they stop generating power.

By Rachel McDevitt

Solar co-op aims to lower cost for rooftop panels

Partners in Dauphin and Cumberland counties are working to help homeowners and businesses get a discount on solar power.

By Rachel McDevitt

Fear, hope among mixed reactions as Three Mile Island plans to restart

TMI’s restart is being hailed by those who want to cut climate pollution, but it’s opposed by people concerned about the risks of radiation from nuclear power and waste.

By Rachel McDevitt

Updated: September 24, 2024 | 2:57 pm

Pieces of Three Mile Island to be preserved for history

The plant’s control panel and a model of the reactor core will be preserved, as well as signs, maps, and photos from the time of TMI-2’s partial meltdown in 1979.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. Senate votes to repeal climate program

The RGGI rule was finalized more than 2 years ago, but has never been enforced because of court challenges.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. gas drilling slowed in spring 2024, prices expected to rise this winter

The number of new wells has been falling since the third quarter of 2023.

By Rachel McDevitt

Methane emissions much higher than gas industry targets, study says

EDF’s images and modeling show the basins could be releasing enough gas to meet the energy needs of more than half of U.S. homes annually.

By Rachel McDevitt

Updated: September 5, 2024 | 11:12 am

Report calls for tougher lead testing standards for Pa. school districts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there is no safe level of lead in the blood.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. activists try to head off nuclear restart at Three Mile Island

TMI Unit 1 owner Constellation said this summer it would be technically possible to repower the plant, but it does not have concrete plans to restart it.

By Rachel McDevitt
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