Environment & Science

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Residents from the Lehigh Valley and beyond on Thursday attended the state Department of Environmental Protection’s last public comment meeting on the commonwealth’s interim environmental justice policy. The majority said the policy doesn’t go far enough.

Blue Mountain Resort took full advantage of a recent cold snap across the region to fire up the snow guns — and schedule Opening Day on Friday.

While plans for the site include homes, offices, restaurants and other facilities at the 200-acre East Side property, regulations call for at least 35%, or about 70 acres, to be preserved as open space for outdoor recreation.

Wildlands Conservancy’s first fall photography contest is underway, with entries due just before midnight Thursday. Officials said the contest aims to encourage residents to explore the outdoors, as well as share their interest in nature with others in the community.

The Lehigh County Authority used municipal meetings to highlight what upgrades were currently planned to Lehigh County's sewer system, and what might be needed form the local governments

The coldest air of the season thus far is arriving in the Lehigh Valley, with forecasters touting conditions favorable for snow showers and squalls this afternoon.

Starting this month, and running on select Thursdays through March, this year’s series includes officials from state and local agencies, as well as nonprofits. It's free for members and costs $5 for non-members.

Brad Klein reviews the week’s astronomical highlights with Bethlehem’s 'Backyard Astronomy Guy," Marty McGuire.

Less than a decade old and with trainees coming from all over the country, Rodale Institute’s Veteran Farmer Training program aims to give veterans the tools they need to pivot into successful farming careers, as well as spread knowledge about sustainable farming practices and regenerative organic agriculture.

More than 81,000 documented oil and gas wells across the U.S. have been left unplugged by former owners — far exceeding the previous estimate of 56,000, according to a new report by the Environmental Defense Fund.

Pennsylvania has a new, tech-savvy option for hunters and anglers: digital licenses. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s new web platform allows people to apply for and download licenses in PDF form.

Get Outside for Good is a monthly hike aimed at raising awareness — and money — about and for Lehigh Valley nonprofit organizations. The hike, held the first Sunday of each month at the South Mountain Preserve in Allentown, is bringing local women together.

A new report says Lehigh Valley residents breathed in heavily polluted air for more than 50 days last year.

Texas-based pipeline builder Energy Transfer faces 48 criminal charges related to construction of its Mariner East pipeline project, including a felony count of failing to report pollution.

Electric vehicles are having a moment at the state capitol.

This week, PennEast Pipeline said it would stop developing a proposed pipeline from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.

Allegheny County has a new rule on the books aimed at lowering air pollution levels during weather events that trap industrial fumes near the ground.

When the glaciers retreated 13,000 years ago from northwestern Pennsylvania, eight natural lakes were left in their wake. The ones that have become popular, like Conneaut and Edinboro lakes, have vacation homes, resorts, and farms nearby. But one lake stands out as a jewel of the region: Lake Pleasant.

A new study from Penn State shows Pennsylvania could avoid billions of dollars in health damages by joining a regional cap and trade program targeting power plant emissions.

Pennsylvania is a top destination for people who travel to take pictures of fall foliage who are also known as “leaf peepers.”

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - People around the region are still cleaning up from flooding after last week’s severe storms. Joe Kozacheck, co-owner and president of…