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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


Jimmy Carter offered calm to Pennsylvanians after Three Mile Island partial meltdown

Carter visited the midstate on April 1, 1979– four days after the partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant’s Unit 2 reactor.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Endangered status proposed for eastern hellbender

The eastern hellbender’s population has been shrinking, due to stream sedimentation, poor water quality, disease, and habitat loss.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Schools can apply for state aid to install solar energy, save money

A new state grant program that aims to save schools money through solar energy is open for applications.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

How to save energy and make your home more comfortable this winter

There are ways to make sure you are heating your home efficiently and saving money this winter. Some upgrades may even qualify for a rebate or tax credit. 

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

More than $40M heading to Pennsylvania farms to increase climate resilience

The grants are funded by the federal Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, a major climate spending law.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania drivers to save at pump for Thanksgiving travel

Gas prices statewide have dropped 33 cents per gallon from where they were a year ago.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania sees record wildfires this fall

to date in 2024, 671 fires have burned more than 1,900 acres in Pennsylvania.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pa. communities start to see impact of federal climate spending, as upcoming election casts doubt on programs’ futures

More than $5.6 billion has been awarded to hundreds of projects across Pennsylvania.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Three Mile Island owner lays out reopening timeline in public hearing

Constellation provided a timeline for restarting the plant during a public meeting Friday with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Nuclear boosters, skeptics eyeing Three Mile Island restart

The owner of the TMI Unit 1 reactor opened up the closed plant to media to show their confidence that the site can repower without issue.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
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