The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) on Thursday testified at a public hearing hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - speaking out against a plan to delay full implementation of the revised National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) for Integrated Iron and Steel making facilities.   Here's what you need to know about the EPA proposal, which would (among other things) allow U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works to emit greater amounts of hazardous air pollutants between now and July 3, 2027 , than it otherwise would have.  You can get the skinny on the proposal here. Here's what GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell told the EPA: Good morning. I’m Patrick Campbell, executive director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution, or GASP, a nonprofit working to improve air quality in western Pennsylvania since 1969. I am here today to share the Group Against Smog & Pollution’s opposition to EPA’s decision to delay the full implementation of the revised National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Coke Ovens and Coke Oven Batteries. This rollback directly impacts the health and safety of frontline communities in our region, specifically those living in the shadow of U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works and Cleveland Cliffs’ Monessen Coke Works. First, we are particularly concerned with proposed delays regarding the installation of fence line monitors to detect benzene levels—a known carcinogen and problem pollutant in our area. Second, GASP is specifically opposed to the delay in implementing new limits on leaking coke oven doors, lids, and piping. This delay will disproportionately impact residents in our region who are already overburdened by emissions from industrial polluters like U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works - facilities with well-documented and longstanding issues with leaking coke oven doors and lids. Third, we want to share our disappointment that EPA’s only justification for these delays is industry assertions about the time needed for facility modifications. However, the Coke Oven NESHAPS do not present new or unforeseen challenges. Industry groups have consistently sought to delay compliance with clean air regulations, and by accepting their arguments, the EPA undermines the very purpose of establishing protective emission standards in the first place. The EPA has stated that this delay would provide industry with a savings of $4.2 to $4.4 million. Yet, the agency charged with protecting our environment has failed to provide an estimate of the additional pollution that will foul our air as a direct result of this rollback. This egregious omission and lack of transparency regarding the public health cost is simply unacceptable. GASP urges the EPA to prioritize public health over vague industry assertions. We demand EPA enforce the original compliance deadlines. The health of our communities cannot wait.

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.

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) is requesting public comment on its 2026 Air Monitoring Network Plan, an annual report that provides a detailed description of how and where air pollution is monitored in Allegheny County. The 2026 Air Monitoring Network Plan is a document required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It provides the specific location of each monitoring station, siting criteria, monitoring methods and objectives, frequency of sampling, pollutants measured at each station and aerial photographs showing their physical location. All correspondence must include first and last name and a complete mailing address. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Sep. 25.   You can read the plan here . Comments may be submitted via e-mail to david.good@alleghenycounty.us  or by mail to: Allegheny County Health Department Attention: David D. GoodAir Quality Program 836 Fulton StreetPittsburgh, PA 15233 Editor’s Note: GASP staff is currently reviewing the monitoring plan. Stay tuned for more details and public comment guidance from us soon!