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.
-
Last year was a big year for dam removals not only in the Lehigh Valley, but across Pennsylvania. The state was ranked first in the U.S. for the most outdated, unsafe and uneconomical dams removed in 2024. -
The Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program encourages property owners to remove invasive plants by offering native replacements, for free, during events in May throughout the state.
-
An invasive insect known for its voracious appetite that can defoliate millions of acres of forest, spongy moths have been an annual blight on the Valley and the rest of Pennsylvania for decades.
-
Center officials on Thursday opened the doors of its visitor and education center to highlight the building’s sustainable features. The Osprey House is an example of the opportunities nonprofit organizations can realize when it comes to energy efficiency, officials said.
-
A rehabilitation project on the Route 873 Lehigh Gap Bridge, which connects Washington Township, Lehigh County, and Lehigh Township, Northampton County, begins Thursday.
-
The inaugural meeting of the PA Road Salt Action Working Group was held Tuesday afternoon. The group aims to reduce salt pollution as well as promote responsible road salt application practices statewide.
-
Eric Mintel recently led an paranormal investigation at Miller Symphony Hall. It comes right before the second Bucks ParaCon, set for March 8.
-
There's been another attempt to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.
-
Emmaus Borough Council awarded the contracts earlier this week. The project focuses on two of the borough’s wells, including one that’s been offline since PFAS contamination was discovered.
-
Thousands of the Lehigh Valley's wild and domestic birds have been infected with avian flu. However, risk to songbirds remains low.
-
Once filled, the city will be the second in the Lehigh Valley to carve out a position for a dedicated sustainability manager. The job requires overseeing environmental initiatives and guiding the city's climate action plan.
-
No hard evidence exists of these creatures of folklore and local legend. However, paranormal investigators said more residents comfortable sharing their stories.
-
The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Officials said the program addresses lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhances affordable housing options, revitalizes communities and improves public health outcomes in Pennsylvania.
-
State officials this week called on residents to submit nominations for Pennsylvania’s 2025 “Trail of the Year.” In the last 10 years, a Lehigh Valley trail has only been picked once before.
-
Organized by Hispanos Con McCormick, local and state Republican Party leaders spoke about the importance of voting early and encouraging others to vote, as well as supporting all Republicans on the ballot.
-
Ian Fetterman, of Palmer Township, has taken his passion for Halloween and combined it with his artistic talents, carving out his own niche. Now, Ian’s Pumpkin Carvings has customers all over the U.S.
-
The regional wastewater plan is still underway in Lehigh County, as the sewer authority deals with aging infrastructure. Five open houses have been scheduled to collect residents' feedback.
-
The state Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 28 in Bethlehem to take public testimony about Keystone Cement Co.’s hazardous waste permit renewal application.
-
Northampton County’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event was held Saturday. More than 1,700 residents registered.
-
State officials on Thursday gathered at a Lancaster County dairy to announce the theme of the 2025 farm show. The farm show runs from Jan. 4 through Jan. 11 in Harrisburg.
-
The commonwealth's six-week leaf-peeping season has begun. Here's when the Lehigh Valley can expect peak colors.
-
The industrial and transportation sectors are responsible for the largest share of the Valley's greenhouse gas emissions. The findings will form the foundation the next project, a regional Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
