Unnati Akhouri | StateImpact Pennsylvania

A hiker crosses a stream in a forest overgrown with invasive shrubs like Asian stilt grass and bush honeysuckle and vines, with parts of the tree canopy collapsed. Local fauna can be seen among the trees. Elevated stream banks affect amphibian habitats, and charred logs from a restorative fire are visible.

How volunteers are restoring Pennsylvania’s trails to withstand climate change

Pennsylvania has more than 2.2 million acres of forest and over 12,000 miles of trails that are facing risks from invasive species overgrowth as the climate changes.

Three kids play patty-cake in an inflatable pool on their front porch.

Environment & Energy

Neighborhoods in Pa. cities can get up-to 13 degrees hotter due to urban environment

Unnati Akhouri | StateImpact Pennsylvania

A new study shows that Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre all felt at least 8 degrees hotter due to the urban heat island effect, with some regions of the cities feeling up to 13 degrees hotter.

Environment & Energy

Overall U.S. emissions down as oil and gas production rises — but not in Pa.

Unnati Akhouri | StateImpact Pennsylvania

Between 2015 and 2022, reported total emissions – carbon dioxide plus methane – in the Pennsylvania region have gone up by 4% as oil and gas production increased.

Environment & Energy

Impact fees paid by gas drillers in Pa. in 2023 drop by more than $100 million

Unnati Akhouri | StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania collected about $180 million in impact fees from natural gas companies in 2023 – one of the lowest amounts paid since the fee started.