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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


Pa. House measure aims to protect vulnerable communities from heavy pollution burden

The bill would let state regulators deny permits if a plant would create too much of a burden on environmental justice communities.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pa. lawmakers push bills to bring labor, environmental groups together

Three bills from the package have already passed the House with bipartisan support.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

$1 million fine levied for major gas leak in western Pa.

The Rager Mountain storage field owned by Equitrans spewed methane gas for nearly two weeks.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Coal transition: Raising fish and a workforce with an economic development grant

Grants totaling $65,000 were used to upgrade a high school’s fish hatchery program.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Centralia, Wash.’s coal plant has to close next year. Can Pa. communities learn from Centralia’s transition?

The western Washington town has been cited as a model for how to successfully transition away from coal. StateImpact Pennsylvania spent several days there to explore how time and money has affected preparations for what lies ahead.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Coal transition: Betting on hydrogen with an energy technology grant

Community leaders are hoping hydrogen can help replace some of the jobs lost from the coal industry.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Coal transition: How a weatherization grant helped a music venue build community

The Juice Box got an $80,000 grant in 2022 to help replace the roof and the failing heating system.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Josh Shapiro proposes state climate program to replace RGGI, and asks for new renewable energy goals

Shapiro estimates the proposals would save ratepayers $250 million over five years and create 14,500 jobs.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

If you made clean energy upgrades in 2023, it might be time to claim your tax credit

This tax season, people can claim credits for clean energy and EV purchases from 2023.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Old trees, heavy rain and high heat are climate concerns for Harrisburg neighbors

We met with four neighbors in Harrisburg’s Allison Hill to learn about climate effects.

By Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
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