Record April heat, Clean Streams Ruling stands, and more.

It’s officially a heat wave outside. The Wednesday temperature of 91* broke records set in 1941, and the heat wave may continue today. The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Pennsylvania regulators withdrew a proposed rule that would have changed how chemical spills into waterways are reported under the state’s Clean Streams Law. The Environmental Quality Board ended the rulemaking after more than 1,100 public comments, with environmental groups warning the proposal could weaken reporting requirements. Existing spill reporting rules will remain in place. “Today’s action shows that when we speak out loud and clear in favor of strong environmental regulations, we win!,” said Patrick McDonnell, President and CEO of PennFuture.

Coffee Shop charging $.25 cents for disposable cups to cut down on waste. Vibrant Coffee Roasters says the policy encourages customers to bring reusable cups while helping offset rising supply costs. The Philadelphia Inquirer

Staff at Clean Water Action announced plans to unionize. The proposed union, the “Clean Water Guild,” as the NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America, would represent employees across the national environmental nonprofit, including staff in Philadelphia. Organizers say the effort aims to strengthen workplace conditions and align internal practices with the group’s advocacy for environmental and social justice.

City officials say a massive illegal dump in Northeast Philadelphia may be one of the most difficult they’ve encountered. The site off Pennway Street spills down a ravine near a tributary of Tacony Creek. The difficult cleanup could require cranes and coordination among multiple property owners. The Philadelphia Inquirer

Cover photo: Pennsylvania Stream in Williamsport, PA by Michael Glazier on Unsplash