PennEnvironment

10/14/2026

95% of the waterways tested in Pennsylvania have PFAS chemicals.

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals", are found in our rivers, lakes, and streams at alarming amounts. Today, we released a report outlining the risks that these chemicals pose to our health and the environment.

“Pennsylvania is defined by its rivers and streams. Whether we’re paddling on the Delaware or casting a line in French Creek, we shouldn’t need to worry about toxic PFAS in our favorite waterways. It’s time to phase out the use of these toxic chemicals."

Hear from our Clean Water Advocate Stephanie Wein to learn more about how we can tackle this toxic threat.

And check out our to see our findings and other policy recommendations:

https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/media-center/new-report-shows-toxic-pfas-frequently-found-in-delaware-river-wissahickon-creek/

10/14/2026

Our intern Jason Kimelman had a letter to the editor published in the Philadelphia Inquirer! Check out his letter about methane pollution titled "Warming concerns" at the link below.

Inquirer readers on new rules for tailgate parties at Eagles games, the deception of Hannah Gann, and efforts to save the Academy of Natural Sciences museum.

10/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined PennEnvironment's September volunteer meeting!

In just one hour, we collected 50 petition signatures asking the PA Department of Environmental Protection to propose strong methane protections to help our health and our climate. We also made calls to our State Representatives urging them to vote YES on legislation that would spur renewable energy development and strengthen our grid. We are happy to report that the bill (HB 2380) passed that State House with bipartisan support!

Our monthly virtual meetings are a great way to meet like-minded activists, learn new advocacy skills, and make change in just an hour. If you're interested in joining our October volunteer meeting on Monday, Oct. 26th at 7pm on Zoom, comment down below!

10/14/2026

A couple weeks ago, we partnered with Transition Town Greater Media for an electric vehicle showcase at Media Borough's Dining Under the Stars event! Keep watching for a close up look at some EVs and to hear why these drivers love their EVs.

Visit Media PA

10/14/2026

Our Clean Water and Conservation Advocate Stephanie Wein is joining partners at Environment New Jersey today to release a new report about PFAS "forever chemicals" in our waterways.

10/13/2026

Check out the letter to the editor that our Associate Callie Rosenzweig had published in the Reading Eagle to learn more about how methane pollution is affecting our climate and our health and what we can do about it.

https://www.readingeagle.com/2026/10/01/letter-state-needs-strong-measures-to-limit-methane-pollution

Proposed safeguards deserve support.

10/13/2026

Faran Savitz, PennEnvironment's Zero Waste Advocate, released a new report to shed light on the growing plastic and microplastic pollution problem in our waterways. We tested 22 sites along the Delaware River Watershed for microplastic pollution and found microplastics at every single one. This is a stark reminder of why tackling our plastic pollution problem is so important.

Check out the full report: https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/resources/microplastics-in-the-delaware-river-watershed/

10/13/2026

Attn Allegheny County and surrounding area: public meetings regarding the proposed Springdale Data Center in Allegheny County are coming up this Wednesday 10/14 (virtual) and Wednesday 10/28 (in person). Residents from outside Allegheny County are permitted to provide comment too.

Learn more and register at https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Projects-and-Initiatives/Economic-Development/Springdale-Data-Center

10/12/2026

ATTN Allegheny County: the Allegheny County Health Department is hosting a public information session about a proposed new steel facility this Thursday, 10/15/26, at 5:00 pm. Join us at Carnegie One Library in Braddock, 419 Library St, Braddock, PA 15104 to learn more!

https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Health-Department/Air-Quality

10/09/2026

Philly schools have installed lead-filtering water fountains in city schools, but high levels of lead are still being found in sinks in school kitchens and nurses offices. In fact, 1 in 10 Philadelphia public schools had high lead levels in water used for food preparation over the past three years.

And, what's more, even taps that haven't tested positive yet, could still have high levels of lead. “It’s likely that even kitchen and nurse sinks that tested negative for lead in their most recent round of testing will inevitably have a percentage test positive in the next round,” said our ED David Masur.

We need to do more to protect kids in Philly, & across the Commonwealth, from this harmful neurotoxin. Thank you for your advocacy on this important issue Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier,
Senator Devlin Robinson, Senator Art Haywood, Senator John Kane, & Marilyn Howarth from the Community Outreach and Engagement Core - COEC at CEET, UPenn.

Check out this great piece by Kyle Bagenstose for Grid Magazine to learn more!

One in 10 Philadelphia public schools had high lead levels in water sources used for food preparation, according to tests conducted by the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) over the past three years.