The Allegheny Front for the week of
December 14-20, 2013
PA Environmental News Roundup
It’s been a big week for environmental news out of Harrisburg. Governor Tom Corbett's controversial pick for the state's lead environment regulator was confirmed. Corbett is the only Republican governor to sign a petition for "good neighbor" air pollution rules. And a PA power plant doesn't want to buy costly environmental controls sues the U.S. EPA.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Holiday Beads
While you’re decking the halls this holiday season, you might want to take a second look at the decorations you’re hanging. A new report from a consumer watchdog site shows high levels of hazardous chemicals in some sparkly, beaded garland.
At 40, US Endangered Species Act Faces Attacks
The federal Endangered Species Act turns 40 on Dec. 28, 2013. The legislation's had some big successes, like bringing back the bald eagle. Now there are some attacks on the federal law, and similar state-level species preservation efforts. Reporter John R. Platt blogs for the Scientific American about endangered species. He talks with The Allegheny Front as part of our reporting package on animals at risk.
River Otters Could Be Target for Trappers in PA
The river otter may become a legal target for Pennsylvania trappers in coming years, under a management plan the Pennsylvania Game Commission will finalize in January.
Blanding’s Turtles Threatened in PA, Not Yet Endangered
The Blanding’s turtle has a bright yellow neck and long chin and reaches up to 10 inches in adulthood, making it among Pennsylvania’s largest and most recognizable pond turtles. Found only in Erie County, it is a threatened species in Pennsylvania due to habitat destruction, urbanization that causes road kills, and predation
Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons Make Comeback in PA
The bald eagle could be removed from the Pennsylvania Threatened and Endangered Species List in 2014, marking a milestone in the bird’s recovery across the state. Meanwhile, another bird of prey—the peregrine falcon—is also flying in the right direction to become a conservation success story.
Green Reads for Holiday Book Lists
If you're thinking of environmentally themed books to curl up with by the fireside or to give as gifts, we're here to help. At the recent Society of Environmental Journalists annual conference, we talked with the author of Cows Save the Planet, as well as some other writers and a publisher, who shared more about their latest efforts.