
Molly Bilinski
Environment & Science reporterI cover environment and science for LehighValleyNews.com. Originally from Schuylkill County, I got my start in journalism writing obituaries for the Reading Eagle in 2014 after graduating from Kutztown University. I’ve also reported for The Press of Atlantic City, covering municipalities, crime and courts, and The Morning Call, where I was part of the audience team. In 2022, I won first place in the diversity category of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Keystone Media Awards. Contact me at mollyb@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8225.
-
Keystone Cement Co. in East Allen Township is renewing its hazardous waste permit with the state Department of Environmental Protection. Part of the company's plan is to change how it transports waste, from trucks to rail.
-
Mosquitos carrying West Nile virus were recorded within city limits. Here's where officials are spraying Wednesday.
-
Applications for a seat on the council, launched in 2022 and aimed at growing public participation, are being accepted through the end of the month. Here's how to apply.
-
Gov. John Shapiro last month signed HB 1333 into law, which allows for recycled materials to be used in stuffed toys manufactured and sold statewide. In the Lehigh Valley, one toy manufacturer plans to launch a sustainable line.
-
For almost a century, hikers have trekked the Appalachian Trail, the world’s longest hiking-only footpath. A thru-hiker documenting her trek on social media recently stopped in the Lehigh Valley.
-
The position, budgeted for one year after the annual process turned contentious, focuses on creating and facilitating sustainability initiatives while capturing grant funding to cover the cost of related projects.
-
The start of Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s annual hawk watch is just over a month out, and preparations are well underway. A tradition in its 64th year, volunteers count birds of prey as they migrate along the raptor "superhighway" in the Lehigh Valley’s backyard.
-
Funding was awarded through the Lehigh Valley Greenways Mini Grant Program. The program aims to protect and promote natural resources through the implementation of ready-to-go, single-year projects.
-
Allentown and Easton have been paired with an engineering company to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. It's Allentown's first time, but Easton's second, in the program.
-
State education officials on on Monday visited Bethlehem Area Public Library’s South Side branch, 400 Webster St., to raise awareness about the Summer Food Service Program. Free, nutritious meals are available to those aged 18 and younger — no questions asked.
-
The annual Envirothon is essentially a scholastic scrimmage for environmental science. Two Lehigh Valley teams have advanced to the state competition.
-
The tool and seed library at Bethlehem Area Public Library's South Side branch, 400 Webster St., includes free seeds for all. Patrons can check out tools for a week with a library card.
-
The Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary is closed to the public following a Tuesday bridge collapse. Wildlands Conservancy has launched a website where updates will be posted.
-
Led by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Sustainable Energy Fund, The Lehigh Valley Sustainability Summit drew economic and industry leaders from across the region to engage on topics like waste reduction, energy and economic growth.
-
The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report shows air quality got worse in the Lehigh Valley. The report was released Wednesday.
-
The Growing Greener Plus grant program aims to address critical environmental concerns, like flooding, as well as protect waterways and watersheds. Applications are due June 20.
-
The first winner of the Good Farmer Award U.S. was announced on Earth Day. The competition sought beginner farmers who exemplify sustainable farming practices.
-
Easton's new sustainability coordinator has launched an email for residents to direct their ideas and concerns about sustainability in the city.
-
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, along with local legislators and officials, on Thursday morning held a news conference focused on energy efficient programs frozen due to cuts enacted by President Donald Trump and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency.
-
Brandon Sullivan recently was hired as Easton's first sustainability coordinator. It's the third of the Lehigh Valley's major cities to carve out a position dedicated to mitigating the effects of climate change.
-
It's Earth Month, and there are many opportunities to get involved. Here are the events scheduled in the Lehigh Valley.
-
Allentown's climate action plan survey is live. When completed, the city will be the third of the Lehigh Valley’s major cities to create a climate action plan.