Group Against Smog and Pollution

About GASP

History:

The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) was founded in 1969 by a group of 43 volunteers concerned about air quality issues in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Over the years, GASP has maintained a continuous program to educate the public on questions of pollution and its remediation. It has long published its quarterly newsletter, Hotline. It has participated in public meetings and organized its own, provided a Speakers Bureau, given statements to the media, written letters to the press, and conducted training sessions in local secondary schools with an educational air quality monitor.

During these years, GASP has participated actively on various county, state, and national boards, stakeholder groups, and committees involved with environmental policy. It has also pressed its environmental goals by entering into litigation in Federal District Court in the 1970s to require Allegheny County to adopt standards based on the Clean Air Act of 1970. In the 1980s, GASP cooperated with the EPA in bringing about enforcement of air quality standards at the US Steel Coke production facilities at its Clairton Works. In the 1990s, GASP joined a successful EPA suit against LTV Corporation to enforce existing air quality standards at the firms Hazelwood plant which subsequently closed. A GASP notice in 1998 of its intention to file suit against Shenago for the long-standing air quality infractions at its Neville Island coke plant was preempted by a successful EPA suit on the same issue. In each case the court action resulted in substantial fines and /or remedial actions being imposed on the defendant. For the above work GASP has received many awards and has been mentioned in Time, Christian Science Monitor, Wall Street Journal, United Nations Magazine, local and national television and National Public Radio.

Mission Statement:

GASP will act to obtain for the residents of Western Pennsylvania clean air, water, and land in order to create the healthy, sustainable environment and quality of life to which we are entitled.

Methods of Achieving Mission:

GASP is a citizens' group based in Southwestern PA which focuses on Allegheny County environmental issues. When pertinent to these concerns, we participate in state and national environmental decisions.

We believe in the public's right to receive accurate and thorough information on these issues and to actively participate in the decision making process.

To achieve our environmental goals on behalf of our membership, GASP will advocate, educate, serve as an environmental watchdog, mobilize action, and litigate when necessary.

We will work both independently and in cooperation with like-minded individuals and groups as determined by the Board of Directors.

We will uphold GASP's reputation for scientific integrity, honesty, and responsible involvement.

Contact GASP:

Group Against Smog and Pollution
Wightman School Community Building
5604 Solway Street, #204
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Telephone: (412) 325-7382
Fax: (412) 325-7390

gasp@gasp-pgh.org