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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


Pa. Democrats control the state House. The new energy committee chair says he’ll look for bipartisan agreement

Greg Vitali said he wants to find areas of bipartisan agreement that have a good chance of passing the Republican-controlled Senate.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. annual natural gas production falls for first time in 10 years

Annual growth in producing wells has been declining since 2019, according to data from the Department of Environmental Protection.

By Rachel McDevitt

Updated: March 7, 2023 | 5:21 pm

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal includes Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

The Shapiro Administration says the budget accounts for RGGI should it be allowed to move forward.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pennsylvania ranks near bottom of states in renewable energy generation

Pennsylvania comes in 45th in the country in energy production from wind, solar, and hydropower.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. lawmakers hear challenges to electric grid reliability; experts call for clear policy

Experts say there are short- and long-term issues policy makers need to be aware of when trying to secure the electric grid.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. water plan urges more resources to protect against flooding, pollution

Pennsylvania generally has abundant water. But the commonwealth must take steps to clean and protect its waterways and nearby communities.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. utility regulator investigating incorrect PPL bills

The Public Utility Commissions says it is investigating the accuracy and integrity of PPL Electric Utilities’s billing practices after customers complained of unexpectedly high bills.

By Rachel McDevitt

Pa. drillers abandoned thousands of natural gas wells in 5 years, ignored state law, report says

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the review, but it will be up to new Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration to take any action.

By Rachel McDevitt

Claim that Pa. climate program was unlawfully delayed is moot, court says

Because the rule is now official, the court says the case is moot and any judgment given would not have an effect.

By Rachel McDevitt

Ex-Pennsylvania DEP secretary: Agency’s underfunding will test its new leader

Former DEP secretary Patrick McDonnell says the new leader will have his management skills tested at an agency that’s been constrained by a decade of underfunding.

By Rachel McDevitt
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