GASP to EPA: Enforce Original, More Protective Deadlines for Iron & Steel NESHAPs

GASP on Wednesday testified at a public hearing hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding an interim final rule that would delay compliance deadlines for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) for Integrated Iron and Steel Manufacturing Facilities like U.S. Mon Valley Works right here in western Pennsylvania.

You can read more about the rule and how it will impact public health here.

Here's is what GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell told the EPA:

Good morning. I am Patrick Campbell, the Executive Director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution, or GASP - a nonprofit working to improve air quality in western Pennsylvania since 1969.

We are here today to voice our opposition to the interim final rule to delay compliance deadlines for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Integrated Iron and Steel Making Facilities.

This delay, while purportedly saving nine facilities an estimated $3.3 to $3.5 million, will unleash an additional 120 tons of hazardous air pollutants into surrounding communities.

That’s 120 tons of hazardous air pollutants that would have been avoided under the existing deadlines.

Delaying these vital protections jeopardizes any progress that has been made on air quality and prolongs frontline communities’ exposure to pollutants known to cause severe health issues, including chronic respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, and cancer.

The EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. Yet, this interim final rule directly contradicts that core mission It sends a chilling message that financial considerations can trump public health safeguards.

This delay is a handout to industrial polluters that shamelessly prioritizes corporate convenience and budgets for facilities like U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson facility here in western Pennsylvania over our collective - fundamental - right to clean air.

GASP urges the EPA to withdraw this interim final rule immediately. Enforce the original compliance deadlines. Uphold your commitment to public health and environmental justice. Our communities deserve nothing less.

Thank you.