The Allegheny Front for the week of
August 7-13, 2015
Your Environment Update for August 13, 2015
In this week's environment update, we check in on Pittsburgh's new efforts to boost recycling and see how the Allegheny County Health Department is taking precautions during an intense mosquito season.
Cheat Sheet: Obama's Clean Power Plan
Earlier this month, President Obama released the widely anticipated Clean Power Plan, calling it the single most important step America has ever taken in the fight against climate change.
Why Frigid Offices are Bad for Everybody
So when the peak sales months for personal space heaters are July and August, you know it's time to turn up the office thermostat.
Farmers Play New Role to Solve Rural Hunger
Food deserts in cities get a lot of attention. But hunger is a big issue in rural communities too. And farmers are finding unique ways to lend a hand.
How to Give Your Compost a Boost—with Maggots
OK. It's kind of gross. But you can actually speed up the decomposition in your compost pile by sprinkling in a few of these little guys.
Toledo is Better Prepared for Toxic Bloom on Lake Erie
After toxic cyanobacteria shut down Toledo's water supply in 2014, officials are working to get ahead of this year's bloom on Lake Erie.
Yellow-Billed Cuckoos Eat More Than Teenagers Do
Cuckoos can eat more than 100 caterpillars in less than 10 minutes. Pound for pound, that's the equivalent of a 15-year-old eating 10 pizzas.
Environmental Group Sues Steel Producer
PennEnvironment gave notice this week that it’s filing a lawsuit against steel producer ArcelorMittal for violations of the Clean Air Act.
Enviro Groups Appeal Air Permit for Shell’s Ethane Cracker
Environmental groups are appealing the air quality permit state regulators gave Shell for its proposed ethane cracker petrochemical plant in Beaver County.