Our 5 most popular reads from 2022

A corpse, woodworking dangers, plastic titans ... revisit the stories that stuck with our readers this past year.

The totals are in — here are the five most viewed stories from our newsroom in 2022.


1. A corpse in a barrel in a drying reservoir

corpse in a barrel in a drying reservoir

Our weekend columnist Peter Dykstra is always on the lookout for the weird and wacky in the environmental realm.

With this column, he found it.

2. The hidden, potential cancer-causing, danger in woodworking and art supplies

BADGE BPA chemical

Reporter Meg Wilcox did a deep dive on a scary chemical that's common in woodworking and art supplies. Might want to check this one out before your next craft night.

3. The Titans of Plastic

petrochemical shell pennsylvania plastic

In collaboration with the excellent Sierra Magazine, reporter Kristina Marusic gives readers a clear-eyed look at the multi-faceted impacts of plastics production.

4. For clean beauty brands, getting PFAS out of makeup might be easier said than done

PFAS in makeup

We spent a good part of the beginning of 2022 examining PFAS chemicals in everyday products. This investigation into makeup caught the eye of readers.

5. Chemicals in everyday products are spurring obesity, warns a new review

chemicals obesity

Our weight depends on more than diet and exercise. Reporter Grace van Deelen reported on the latest research examining a concerning class of chemicals called "obesogens."


In the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, new poll finds 90% of respondents support stricter fracking regulations

“Pennsylvanians are deeply ambivalent about fracking.”

PITTSBURGH — Nine in ten Pennsylvanians support stricter regulations on the fracking industry, while 42% would support an outright ban on fracking, according to a new poll.

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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.

Federal disaster programs could run out of money as hurricane approaches Florida

The federal government’s disaster relief programs face financial strain as Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm, threatens Florida, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Thomas Frank reports for POLITICO.

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palm trees blowing in a strong breeze
Credit: Pixabay

Hurricane Milton will be an election season political test

Hurricane Milton’s approach toward Florida threatens to challenge the Biden-Harris administration as it faces scrutiny in the lead-up to the presidential election.

Alexander Bolton reports for The Hill.

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Trump spreads misinformation about disaster response to gain a political edge

In the final weeks of his presidential campaign, Donald Trump has used misleading claims about the Biden administration's disaster response to Hurricane Helene in an attempt to portray Vice President Kamala Harris as failing in her duties.

Justine McDaniel and Marianne LeVine report for The Washington Post.

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Trump’s potential return sparks fear among federal employees

Environmental and energy agency workers are anxious over the possibility of a Trump presidency, fearing job loss and program cuts as they rush to finalize Biden’s priorities.

Robin Bravender reports for E&E News.

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Philly refinery explosion
Credit: Elvert Barnes/Flickr

Philly refinery explosion settlement sends a message to the industry

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a $4.2 million settlement with Philadelphia Energy Solutions over a 2019 refinery explosion, marking the largest Clean Air Act settlement of its kind.

Frank Kummer reports for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Kelly Armstrong’s deep ties to oil raise ethics concerns in North Dakota governor’s race

Kelly Armstrong, front-runner for North Dakota governor, would oversee state bodies that regulate the oil and gas industry from which he derives nearly all of his personal income.

Jacob Orledge reports for ProPublica in partnership with the North Dakota Monitor.

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From our Newsroom
environmental justice

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

climate week NYC

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

fracking pennsylvania cancer

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

homelessness climate change

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.

U.S. Steel Pennsylvania pollution

As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania

“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”

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