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Rachel McDevitt, Reporter / StateImpact Pennsylvania

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


Controversial solar project near Gettysburg loses in court again

The decision could inform future cases in which communities fight proposed development.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Annual gas production falls in Pa. for first time since the fracking boom

Drillers produced 7.5 trillion cubic feet of gas in 2022, down from 7.6 trillion cubic feet in 2021.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ranks 7th in nation in greenhouse gas supply

Pennsylvania’s top suppliers are coal company Consol Energy; Delta Airlines, which owns an oil refinery outside Philadelphia; and UGI, a gas utility.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pa. lawmakers look for hydrogen models after hub announcement

Health and environmental advocates are calling for high standards to prevent more planet-warming emissions.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Updated: November 21, 2023 | 4:56 pm

Shapiro to appeal court decision that stopped Pa. from joining climate program

Gov. Shapiro isn’t committing to Pennsylvania joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but wants to maintain executive authority in light of a recent court ruling.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pa. families call on Josh Shapiro to fulfill recommendations of fracking grand jury

Moms and Dads-Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike met at the state capitol to share stories about illnesses they’ve experienced since fracking boomed in the southwest corner of the state.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pa. Red Cross volunteers train for disasters, which are increasing with climate change

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is conducting trainings across the state to make sure volunteers are ready to set up and run temporary shelters for people who can’t return to their homes.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Chesapeake Bay states hit land preservation milestone

There are now 9.1 million acres of land in the watershed that are permanently protected from development.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pa. electric customers would save with more power-sharing between regions, study says

The analysis says more interregional power lines will lower the overall number of power plants needed and let cheaper power flow more easily across borders.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Updated: November 1, 2023 | 8:07 pm

Pa. court rules climate program is an illegal tax, says state cannot join RGGI

Commonwealth Court said the Department of Environmental Protection did not have the constitutional authority to collect revenue from the program.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
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