GASP Investigation Reveals Major Air Quality Permit Backlogs Persist Across Pennsylvania Despite Regulatory Denials
- Group Against Smog & Pollution
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Media Contact:
Amanda Gillooly
Communications Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GASP Investigation Reveals Major Air Quality Permit Backlogs Persist Across Pennsylvania Despite Regulatory Denials
A new investigative report finds that despite official assurances, regulators are failing to
process crucial Clean Air Act Title V permits within legally mandated timeframes.
PITTSBURGH — Today, the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) released a comprehensive investigative report revealing that significant backlogs in processing Title V Operating Permits persist across Pennsylvania.
Despite official claims from regulators that backlogs are being successfully managed, GASP’s analysis shows multiple regional offices of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) - and to a lesser extent, the Allegheny County Health Department - continue to experience critical delays.
Title V Operating Permits, mandated by the federal Clean Air Act, are vital regulatory tools required for the largest industrial sources of air pollution. These permits compile all applicable federal and state clean air requirements into a single document, making it possible for both regulators and the public to monitor and enforce a facility's compliance with emission limits.
The investigation found that while the backlogs have seen moderate improvement over the last several years, progress has stalled—and in several regions, the backlog of permit applications pending for more than the legally allowed 18-month window is actively worsening.
“Unfortunately, despite official denials, our investigation shows that major trouble spots remain,” GASP Senior Attorney John Baillie said. “When a Title V permit renewal sits in limbo for years, it severely complicates the public's and the regulators' ability to ensure that facilities are complying with the law.”
GASP is calling on the ACHD and the state DEP to immediately address these backlogs.
“Recent revisions to the ACHD fee schedule and state administrative procedures must be backed by a renewed, aggressive commitment to clear the permitting logjams once and for all,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said.
To read the full investigative report here: GASP Investigates: Title V Operating Permit Backlog Persists Despite Official Denials
Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit in Southwestern Pennsylvania working for a healthy, sustainable environment. Founded in 1969, GASP has been a diligent watchdog, educator, litigator, and policymaker on many environmental issues, with a focus on air quality in the Pittsburgh region.
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