Ethan Story
Ethan comes to CCJ with a J.D. and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. While attending Vermont Law School, Ethan worked as a Research Associate with the Water and Justice Program. In this role he worked with diverse stakeholders to help protect their natural resources. Ethan also interned with the PA Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Additionally, he served as an editor on the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. Ethan has been published on the subjects of public trust and environmental law. When he is not at work, he is spending time with his family, running, and fly fishing one of PA’s many beautiful rivers.
He can be reached at ethan@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org
Posts by Ethan Story
In recent months, Cecil Township has seen a cornucopia of proposed maps, ordinances, and social media posts concerning its oil and gas zoning ordinance. Today is no exception, as the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) has announced on social media that they plan to propose a strict 2,500-foot setback from all “protected structures.” This decision came primarily […]
Per the Air Pollution Control Act, operations that emit major sources of air pollution are required to obtain, and operate in compliance with an operating permit. In Pennsylvania, these permits are known as Title V Permits. Each permit lays out what kind of pollution is being emitted, how much, and what steps the operator is taking to reduce air pollution. When an operator applies for a new or renewed application, the DEP allows for a 30-day public comment period.
Mingo Creek taken by Allison Evans The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) accepted an application for a new underground mine – the Ram No. 1 Mine – on February 25, 2015. Ram Mining, LLC (RAM), a Kentucky-based company with a history of coal mining in West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, submitted the application. RAM’s […]
At the direction of Gov. Tom Wolf, the Department of Environmental Protection (“Department”) conducted and released a report that reviewed the Department’s oversight of the Commonwealth’s conventional oil and gas industry. Pennsylvania distinguishes conventional and unconventional wells based on depth. A conventional gas well is one that produces oil or gas from a conventional formation. […]
On July 7, 2022, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a bill that has been touted as a way to give consumers more access to affordable electricity, but in reality represented an effort to restrict local governments’ ability to set policies that address the climate crisis. Senate Bill (“SB”) 275, introduced by Gene Yaw, would make […]
By a vote of 6-3, the Supreme Court agreed with Republican-led states and coal companies that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the authority to use generation-shifting as a “system of emission reduction” under the Clean Air Act. Background In the WV. v. EPA case, one primary regulation was at issue (which is currently […]
On June 14, 1777, the United States officially adopted Old Glory as our national flag. Interestingly enough, Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation to honor Flag Day as a legal holiday.
Natural gas, once presented as an energy source to help the transition from coal, has transformed into a relatively inexpensive and reliable energy source worldwide. However, our reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in irreparable and immense destruction of land and lives. That is why there are many making the argument for a just transition. Part of this transition plan, very simply, is that we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and slowly start to transition that reliance to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
What Is Radon? Radon is created when uranium found in the soil, rocks, and underground water breaks down. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and travels vertically through holes and cracks in the ground; this gas can sometimes enter homes, businesses, and schools. When inhaled, radon can increase the risk of cancer and result in […]
Act 74 of 2019 Previously, PA’s Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act limited the temporary cessation of operations at coal refuse disposal sites to no more than 1 year. The Federal Surface Mine Conservation and Reclamation Act of 1977 (“SMCRA”) allowed for flexibility with temporary cessation status. Act 74 of 2019 amended Section 6.1 of the […]