coke works

Clairton's ongoing battle for cleaner air in the shadow of a steel giant

In Clairton, Pennsylvania, a fierce debate rages over the environmental impact of the nation's largest coke plant, highlighting a clash between public health concerns and industrial interests.

Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Clairton, home to the largest coke plant in the U.S., faces a contentious struggle over its air quality permit, balancing economic and health interests.
  • Residents and environmental groups express concerns about pollution and health risks, while U.S. Steel emphasizes its compliance and economic role.
  • The debate reflects broader issues of environmental justice and the challenge of transitioning from traditional industries in small American towns.

Key quote:

“We had a visitor come who is working on cleaning up coke plants around the world. She’s been to plants in China and Pakistan and Indonesia, and she said she’s never seen anything like the Clairton Coke Works: the pollution levels, the rundown nature of the facility and the scale of it."

— Matthew Mehalik, executive director of the Breathe Project

Why this matters:

This story sheds light on the critical balance between industrial progress and public health, especially in smaller communities, underscoring the ongoing national conversation about environmental justice and the need for sustainable industrial practices that protect the health of local populations.

Mon Valley has the worst air quality in Pennsylvania based on its history of federal Clean Air Act violations over the last 12 years.

men cleaning up plastic bags

How the plastic industry undermines democracy by blocking bans

Companies that profit from plastics are pushing forward laws to keep Americans hooked on disposable plastic products

On a cool, sunny day in March 2020, Ted Harris towed a large net from a boat in Clinton Lake in Kansas and retrieved a sample of microscopic debris in the water.

Keep reading...Show less
Senator Whitehouse & climate change

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.
animated graphic showing oil rigs with a red arrow increasing

Oil and gas profits could fund global climate efforts, study suggests

A new study argues that taxing excess oil and gas profits could provide billions of dollars in climate financing, easing the financial burden on developing countries.

Maxwell Radwin reports for Mongabay.

Keep reading...Show less
solar panels in grass field

GOP agenda may alter tax incentives for clean energy

A second Trump administration might curtail tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, threatening clean energy investments and job growth in the U.S.

Jeff St. John reports for Canary Media.

Keep reading...Show less
power plant smokestacks

Trump energy nominee faces backlash for misrepresents climate studies

Chris Wright, Donald Trump’s Energy Department nominee, claims scientific research supports his view that there is no climate crisis, but the authors of the studies he cites say he misrepresents their findings.

Evan Halper and Peter Whoriskey report for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
U.S. Department of Homeland Security insignia on blue background
Credit: badboo/Big Stock Photo

Kristi Noem's handling of South Dakota flood raises doubts about FEMA readiness

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s response to catastrophic June floods has left residents questioning her ability to manage disasters as she is nominated to lead Homeland Security.

Peter Jamison and Isaac Stanley-Becker report for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
cut logs

EU delays deforestation law enforcement

The European Union will postpone enforcing its anti-deforestation law by one year, citing readiness concerns, but the law's strict requirements remain unchanged.

Anne-Sophie Brändlin reports for Deutsche Welle.

Keep reading...Show less
young girl
Credit: ymyphoto/Pixabay

Americans weigh family planning as political and climate fears grow

Some U.S. families are reconsidering having children due to concerns over reproductive rights, healthcare access and climate change following the 2024 presidential election.

Carter Sherman reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Resident speaks at an event about the Midwest hydrogen hub organized by Just Transition NWI.

What a Trump administration means for the federal hydrogen energy push

Legal and industry experts say there are uncertainties about the future of hydrogen hubs, a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s clean energy push.

unions climate justice

Op-ed: The common ground between labor and climate justice is the key to a livable future

The tale of “jobs versus the environment” does not capture the full story.

Union workers from SEIU holding climate protest signs at a rally in Washington DC

El terreno común entre los derechos laborales y la justicia climática es la clave de un futuro habitable

La narrativa de “empleos vs. proteger el medio ambiente” no cuenta la historia completa.

unions and labor movement

LISTEN: Pradnya Garud on the role of unions in climate justice

“They’ve been able to combine forces and really come forward to bring social and environmental change.”

People advocating against the US hydrogen hub build out

Hydrogen hubs test new federal environmental justice rules

A massive push for hydrogen energy is one of the first test cases of new federal environmental justice initiatives. Communities and advocates so far give the feds a failing grade.

photos of people protesting the hydrogen hub buildout

What’s hampering federal environmental justice efforts in the hydrogen hub build-out?

“Organizational change in large bureaucracies takes time.”

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.