The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
In this aerial image, an aircraft, center, flies near a wildfire burning near Barrington Lake in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Pittsburgh in “code orange” air quality index as Canadian wildfires rage on

By Ryleigh Lord, News Editor • June 6, 2023
Allegheny county has been placed in the code orange air quality index as a direct result of the over 400 wildfires currently raging across Canada in Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Opinion | We need to adapt to an already changed climate

Opinion | We need to adapt to an already changed climate

By Talia Spillerman, For The Pitt News • September 14, 2021
Many people in our society, who are already at a societal disadvantage or live in an area prone to natural disasters, are already feeling the implications of global warming.
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted its “Combating Environmental Racism and Injustice” event on Thursday as part of Pitt’s annual Diversity Forum.

Panelists discuss environmental hazards, ways to combat injustices

By Millicent Watt, Senior Staff Writer • July 29, 2021
As part of Pitt’s annual Diversity Forum, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted the event “Combating Environmental Racism and Injustice” on Thursday to discuss experiences with and perspectives on environmental justice.
Allegheny County’s high levels of air pollution may put residents more at risk for contracting COVID-19.

Editorial: Link between pollution and COVID-19 mortality rate should have Allegheny County’s attention

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • April 7, 2020
It’s imperative that the county, of all places, considers this correlation and has a frank and honest conversation about tackling air pollution once this pandemic is over.
Billy Epting, who lives in Lawrenceville, brought his six-month-old daughter to City Councilperson Erika Strassburger’s community listening session Wednesday.

Community airs pollution concerns at Strassburger’s listening session

By Emily Wolfe, Contributing Editor • June 27, 2019
Each speaker was given three minutes at the microphone. They touched on a variety of issues, including electric busing and the Clairton Coke Works plant.
U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works plant.

Pittsburgh receives “F” for air quality despite decades of improvement

By Brian Gentry, Senior Staff Writer • May 14, 2019
Pittsburgh has made strides in distancing itself from its industrial past, but the region remains plagued by lingering air quality concerns.
A Code Orange air quality alert appeared on many smartphones and weather apps on Saturday.

Editorial: Air quality concerns require stronger action

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • February 7, 2019
The number of air quality alerts issued lately is cause for great concern. It feels as if we’re sliding backwards with our air quality, and this is something we absolutely can’t allow to happen.
Coke is used as fuel for iron ore smelting and metalworking processes.

Editorial: To protect Mon Valley, U.S. Steel must change

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • January 18, 2019
The Clairton Coke Works plant has a long history of pollution violations. With the health of local residents at stake, U.S. Steel must finally commit to improving the coke plant’s track record.
Breathe easier: More air quality regulations needed

Breathe easier: More air quality regulations needed

By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor • September 5, 2018
With the federal government waging a war against the environment, state and local authorities must enforce air quality regulations to protect public health.
Dianne Peterson holds a sign criticizing county executive Rich Fitzgerald’s positions on environmental matters at a Fridays with Fitzgerald protest held at the Allegheny County Courthouse.

PennEnvironment hosts rally for clean air

By Sarah Shearer, Assistant News Editor • September 4, 2018
Citizens assemble at the Allegheny County Courthouse, waving signs condemning dirty air, as they meet for another Friday with Fitzgerald.
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