Dozens of area residents died from complications related to the incident in the suburban Pittsburgh town, while thousands of locals developed respiratory issues. Decades later, the New York Times would refer to the Donora Smog as "one of the worst air pollution disasters in the nation's history."
According to Gov. Shapiro, the funds will cover the cost of the response and recovery for state agencies, fire departments, and business and residents in Beaver and Lawrence counties.
The online dashboard launched by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency provides current information about air and water testing, and other important resources for residents affected by the train derailment and subsequent chemical burn earlier this month.
Gov. Josh Shapiro sent a letter to Norfolk Southern expressing serious concerns about the railroad company’s response to a 50-car train derailment and subsequent burning of hazardous chemicals.
On the same day Corterra Energy pleaded no contest to charges related to environmental crimes, and agreed to pay $16.29 million toward the construction of new and regulated public water lines in Dimock, the Department of Environmental Protection quietly lifted its long-term moratorium on gas production in the small village in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania generates more coal ash than any other state. Michael Regan—who's poised to become the next Administrator of the EPA—has a history of cleaning up coal ash pollution.
After Trump wondered if an injection of disinfectant would fight coronavirus, the Environmental Protection Agency reminded people to only use on surfaces.