PennEnvironment

08/31/2026

Check out this resource to track data center proposals across the state.

https://gis.dep.pa.gov/DataCenterPermitTracker/

This interactive map shows the locations of proposed data center projects in the Commonwealth with a list of environmental permits for each project and their status.

The map also shows the locations of other unconfirmed data center projects, found under the "Layers" tab. Types of permits and/or authorizations commonly associated with large scale data centers can include (but are not limited to):
Earth disturbance and stormwater management (Chapter 102)
Wetland and waterway encroachment (Chapter 105)
Storage tanks
Air quality
Sewage Facilities Planning
Clean Water

As a note- DEP does not have a role in local zoning decisions and does not track local ordinances, this resource is for state permits.

The PA Data Center Permit Tracker shows where all proposed data center projects are located, and tracks the progress of environmental permits for the projects.

08/28/2026

Reducing air pollution improves health outcomes for children.

According to a study published in The Lancet, scientists say they have been "stunned" by how quickly young children's lungs began to recover and grow after pollution protections were brought in where they lived.

London created an "Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez)" in 2019. Researchers tested lungs of young elementary-aged children in London before the "Ulez" took effect and found they "were smaller in capacity than those in Luton, [another city] which is less polluted than London but has a similar mix of pollutants.

After 4 years of implementing the Ulez, researchers tested the lungs of the London kids again & found "the children's lung capacity reached near identical levels" to the children in the less polluted city. This shows an ambitious clean air zone can drive pollution levels down, rapidly restoring children's stunted lung growth.

Breathe Project Allegheny County Health Department BBC

Children's lung capacity caught up with their peers in less polluted areas once a clean air zone came in, a study shows.

08/28/2026

Our clean water advocate Stephanie Wein joins EcoWURD to talk about our report on f***l contamination on the Delaware River and what we need to do for clean water in Philly. Tune into Stephanie's segment at 26:40. https://www.facebook.com/100063630593724/videos/1548478183748385

08/28/2026

Their words, not ours ☠

Check out this deep dive in The Philadelphia Citizen on our new report about f***l bacteria in Pennsylvania waterways and our findings, recommendations for the Philly region and the Philadelphia Water Department.

https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/how-to-fix-our-somewhat-sh*tty-delaware/

08/28/2026

“It’s been clear for a long time that the question isn’t one of technological capability or effectiveness of the policies but whether our elected officials have the political will and the intestinal fortitude to implement these much-needed energy policies, It’s time we take the policy steps necessary to move our energy systems out of the 19th century and into the 21st century.”- our ED David Masur about PennFuture's new Report.

Pennsylvania’s legislature could do a lot more to speed up renewable-energy adoption, a new report says.

08/27/2026

Artificial turf installed in FDR park could have ramifications for stormwater management, community health, and our environment. Read more from Frank Ku**er in the Philadelphia Inquirer

The field was completed in time for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July.

08/27/2026

Lake Erie has some of the highest concentrations of microplastics of any of the Great Lakes. While other states in the region are taking action to protect the lakes from plastic pollution, Pennsylvania is lagging behind. Check out this great piece from Chicago Tribune on how microplastics are impacting our waterways and our health

Plastics just keep getting smaller, and potentially more harmful to humans, fish and wildlife. Even the most remote areas of the Great Lakes aren’t spared.

08/26/2026

The Forest Service has doubled down on its plan to erase protections for 45 million acres of wild forests, including the most precious areas of the Allegheny National Forest. And the public only has until Sept. 21 to weigh in.

These forests are full of mature and old-growth trees that provide important wildlife habitat. They’re our favorite places to hike, fish and camp. We believe wild forests should remain protected from road-building, commercial logging and mining.

➡️MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: You can submit your public comment to defend our forests right now-

https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/take-action/tell-the-forest-service-dont-destroy-our-wild-forests/

08/26/2026

With summer ending, many parents might be thinking about their back to school shopping. Instead of buying new clothes this year, consider holding a community clothing swap. Clothing swaps are great ways to keep clothes in-use for longer and helps to avoid waste. Learn how to host your own in our helpful guide-

https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/articles/guide-to-organizing-a-kids-clothing-swap/

08/25/2026

As kids across the Commonwealth head back to school, check out our Sustainable back to school guide! It's full of tips for how you can go back to school without harming the planet and spending a ton of money on school supplies and fast fashion!

https://environmentamerica.org/center/resources/sustainable-back-to-school-guide/