The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) on Thursday announced that according to preliminary data from the North Braddock air quality monitor, there was a sulfur dioxide exceedance earlier today. It also announced that an emissions plume emanating from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works was due to a valve failure at the plant. Here’s the message ACHD sent out through the Allegheny Alerts system: ACHD has preliminary information that the North Braddock sulfur dioxide (SO2) monitor measured .079 parts per million (ppm) at 2 a.m. this morning. This level exceeds the federal standard for an hourly SO2 exceedance of .075 ppm. ACHD is investigating this potential exceedance, including verifying the data. Additionally, ACHD received many questions and concerns regarding an emission plume observed at U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works the evening of June 17. U.S. Steel has told ACHD that a valve failed to open during the startup of a blast furnace after being shut down for routine maintenance. ACHD continues to investigate this incident. #ACHD #airpollution #airquality #AlleghenyCounty

Editor’s Note: The following is from a press release issued by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Links to associated media reports are at the bottom of the story. Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the findings and recommendations of Pennsylvania’s 43rd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury report on the unconventional oil and gas industry. The Grand Jury’s two-year investigation uncovered systematic failure by government agencies in overseeing the fracking industry and fulfilling their responsibility to protect Pennsylvanians from the inherent risks of industry operations. In addition to exposing failures on the part of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health, the Grand Jury made eight recommendations to create a more comprehensive legal framework that would better protect Pennsylvanians from the realities of industry operations. “This report is about preventing the failures of our past from continuing into our future,” said Attorney General Shapiro in a press conference Thursday. “It’s about the big fights we must take on to protect Pennsylvanians — to ensure that their voices are not drowned out by those with bigger wallets and better connections. There remains a profound gap between our Constitutional mandate for clean air and pure water, and the realities facing Pennsylvanians who live in the shadow of fracking giants and their investors.” This report follows the findings of the Grand Jury’s previous criminal presentments against two fracking companies — Range Resources and Cabot Oil & Gas — for their repeated and systematic violation of Pennsylvania environmental law. Range has since pleaded no contest to environmental crimes committed in Washington County, Pennsylvania. These cases were referred to the Office of Attorney General by local District Attorneys. The report details the initial failure of the Department of Environmental Protection to adequately respond to the unconventional oil and gas industry and also points out that missteps continue to this day. These failures harmed Pennsylvanians living in close proximity to this industry. The grand jurors found that, while the Wolf administration has forced through some improvements at the agency, there continues to be room for meaningful change to occur. The Grand Jury also heard from many Pennsylvania residents who suffered severe health consequences and lived near unconventional drilling sites. Residents testified that their well water was “black sludge,” “cloudy,” and using the contaminated water caused “problems with breathing whenever we were in the shower.” Pennsylvania farmers testified that their livestock, which used the same water source as the families, would sometimes become violently ill, infertile, and die. Other residents spoke of problems with their air, which became so polluted from stray gas or other chemicals used during industry operations that they could not leave windows open or let their children play outside. Parents testified that their children would repeatedly wake up at night with severe nosebleeds caused by increased levels of gas in the air around the fracking sites. In response to the failures of government oversight and in order to ensure that the regulators have the tools necessary to hold this industry accountable, the Grand Jury’s report details eight recommendations. These recommendations would better protect Pennsylvanians from the risk posed by fracking operations and confront the culture of inadequate oversight in the unconventional gas industry and government agencies that oversee their activities: Expanding no-drill zones in Pennsylvania from the required 500 feet to 2,500 feet; Requiring fracking companies to publicly disclose all chemicals used in drilling and hydraulic fracturing before they are used on-site; Requiring the regulation of gathering lines, used to transport unconventional gas hundreds of miles; Adding up all sources of air pollution in a given area to accurately assess air quality; Requiring safer transport of the contaminated waste created from fracking sites; Conducting a comprehensive health response to the effects of living near unconventional drilling sites; Limiting the ability of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection employees to be employed in the private sector immediately after leaving the Department; Allowing the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General original criminal jurisdiction over unconventional oil and gas companies. “Our government has a duty to set, and enforce, ground rules that protect public health and safety. We are the referees, we are here to prevent big corporations and the powerful industries from harming our communities or running over the rights of citizens,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “When it comes to fracking, Pennsylvania failed. Now it’s time to face the facts, and do what we can to protect the people of this commonwealth by encouraging the Department of Environmental Protection to partner with us and by passing the Grand Jurors’ common-sense reforms.” A copy of the report can be found here. Fact sheets and press kit available here. Associated Media links: Grand Jury Report Blasts DEP, Health Department Over Fracking Failures in PA, published by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review State AG Shapiro: Grand Jury Report Reveals PA’s Systemic Failure to Regulate Shale Gas Industry, published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Grand Jury Report on Fracking: DEP Failed to Protect Public Health, published by State Impact #DEP #DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection #JoshShapiro #RangeResources

The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) was recently awarded a $17,497 grant through the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop and distribute climate change and air quality education tool kits for middle school students. “It’s crucial that our children, who are the next generation of decision-makers, understand the importance of clean air. One thing we’ve learned is it’s difficult to expect community members to care about – and advocate for – improved air quality if they don’t know how air pollution can negatively impact their health and quality of life,” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini said. “This grant will allow us to help more kids make the connection between air pollution, adverse health effects, and environmental impacts, and what they can do to make a difference.” GASP’s was one of 55 projects funded through Environmental Education Grants that will engage youth and adults in environmental justice, climate change, and/or water quality improvement, expanding their understanding of these issues in Pennsylvania and providing skills to take responsible action to protect their environment. “This impressive list of funded projects speaks to the innovation and dedication of Pennsylvania’s environmental educators and their significant reach in helping to develop environmental stewards among Pennsylvanians of all ages and backgrounds,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “We’re especially excited that not only is every region of the state represented, but 77 percent of the grant funding supports 33 projects that will engage Pennsylvanians who live or work in EJ areas, as DEP continues to strengthen its outreach and partnership with EJ communities.” Grants were awarded to schools and colleges, environmental and community organizations, and conservation district offices who applied in 2019 and met project criteria for funding. The Environmental Education Grants Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside five percent of the pollution fines and penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania. Since 1993 DEP has awarded 2,020 Environmental Education Grants totaling more than $11 million. #DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection #airpollution #ClimateChange #grant #DEP #airquality

The Allegheny County Health Department on Tuesday issued an air quality update through the county’s Alert system indicating that preliminary data show that three ozone monitors in the county – Harrison, Lawrenceville, and South Fayette – experienced exeedances of the eight-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The eight-hour standard is .070 parts per million (ppm). Harrison registered .074 ppm and both Lawrenceville and South Fayette registered .071 ppm. This is the first exceedance at a county ozone monitor since July 10, 2018. There were no such exceedances in 2019, according to ACHD. “Ozone is overwhelmingly weather dependent, and exceedances are likely during periods of high temperatures and no precipitation, which we’ve had across the region over the past week. Given the current forecast there may be additional ozone exceedances this week,” ACHD officials wrote in the Alert. They continued: “Higher concentrations of ozone may cause breathing problems for the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with heart or respiratory disease. We encourage residents to view our Air Quality Dashboard for the latest ozone levels and remind the public to protect themselves and to help reduce air pollution by voluntarily limiting pollution-producing activities.” Those activities include: • Limit daytime driving. Combine trips when possible. • Don’t refuel. If you must, do so after 7 p.m. • Postpone mowing the lawn until after 7 p.m. • Save energy. Wash dishes and clothes with full loads. • Keep window shades/blinds closed during the day to cut down on air conditioning. #airquality

Cutting carbon dioxide pollution from power plants would save hundreds of lives and billions of dollars in Pennsylvania, according to new analysis from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Governor Tom Wolf has made reducing air pollution from power plants by participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) a top climate priority. Participating in the program would also drive up economic activity in Pennsylvania by billions of dollars and create tens of thousands of jobs, DEP officials said in a press release issued Wednesday. The analysis by DEP, using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodology, shows that participating in RGGI could save the lives of 639 Pennsylvanians by 2030 thanks to lower carbon emissions as well as lower emissions of other air pollutants associated with electricity generation like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. In addition to saving lives, adults and children will have more opportunities to work and play without fear of respiratory complications. “We know that cleaner sources of energy are good for the environment, but this helps quantify the benefits to people’s health as well,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said in the release. “With more than 90,000 of our fellow Pennsylvanians diagnosed with COVID-19, which affects breathing among other things, it is even more clear that we must be doing more to eliminate air pollution. The data is clear that cutting air pollution by participating in RGGI will save people’s lives – full stop.” Economic modeling shows that participating in RGGI will lead to a net increase of more than 27,000 jobs and add $1.9 billion to the Gross State Product in Pennsylvania, according to DEP. The full analysis will be presented to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) along with the rest of the regulatory analysis, which details the total costs and benefits of participating in RGGI. These estimates do not include jobs created as a result of investments of RGGI revenues. Pennsylvania is projected to receive more than $300 million a year in proceeds from RGGI auctions. The Wolf Administration intends to use these revenues to fund job creation and retention programs, including new workforce development opportunities, energy efficiency improvements for businesses and homeowners, economic support for communities affected by changing electricity generation and usage, and clean energy sources. Other health-related benefits include: More than $6 billion worth of health benefits through 2030 from reduced sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides pollution More than 45,000 fewer asthma attacks for children aged 6-18 More than 1,000 fewer cases of childhood bronchitis for children aged 8-12 DEP used EPA’s Incidence-Per-Ton (IPT) and Benefit-Per-Ton (BPT) methodology to determine the figures, as well as modeling data that was conducted for DEP. “An argument against reducing air pollution through RGGI is an argument for making people sick,” said McDonnell. “The benefits to communities that have fewer Code Orange Air Quality days to worry about, or to parents that won’t have to worry that they may need to take their kid to the emergency room for an asthma attack, cannot be understated.” #airpollution #GovTomWolf #RegionalGreenhouseGasInitiative #RGGI #DEP #airquality #carbondioxide

Editor’s Note: This blog was updated at 10:14 a.m. Thursday, July 9 to include additional information sent out by the Allegheny County Health Department through an Alert. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Southwest Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership have declared Thursday, July 9 an Air Quality Action Day for ozone covering all of southwestern Pennsylvania. An Alert relaying this information issued by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) stated that “(a)n Air Quality Action Day is called when ground-level ozone and/or fine particulates are expected to exceed national health-based standards and may cause breathing problems for the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with heart or respiratory disease.” ACHD guidance states that “(o)pen burning and outdoor fires are NOT allowed in Allegheny County” when an Air Quality Action Day is declared. In addition, GASP and ACHD urge the public to protect themselves and their neighbors by helping to reduce air pollution during these declared Air Quality Action Days through voluntarily limiting pollution-producing activities, such as: Limit daytime driving. Combine trips when possible. Use public transit or rideshare. Walk or bicycle for short trips. Avoid prolonged idling and jackrabbit starts. Don’t refuel. If you must, do so after 7 p.m. Refuel carefully. Don’t top off your tank. Postpone mowing the lawn until after 7 p.m. Use latex instead of oil-based paint. Save energy. Wash dishes and clothes with full loads. Keep window shades/blinds closed during the day to cut down on air conditioning. Unfortunately, Allegheny County exceeded the national health-based standards three times already this week, according to initial data. ACHD earlier this week announced that preliminary data showed that three ozone monitors in the county – in Harrison, Lawrenceville, and South Fayette – experienced exceedances of the eight-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) on Monday. A GASP analysis of Allegheny County Health Department’s hourly air quality data indicates there was also an exceedance of the ozone standard at the Harrison monitor on Tuesday. Wednesday marked the third day in a row that ozone concentrations in Allegheny County exceeded the NAAQS limit, with preliminary data showing that the ozone concentration at both the Lawrenceville and Harrison monitoring sites from 12p – 8p was 0.071 ppm. ACHD on Thursday morning distributed an Alert that confirmed those exceedances. It read: ACHD has preliminary information that the Harrison ozone monitor had an exceedance of the 8-hour NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) on Tuesday, July 7 (.077) and Wednesday, July 8 (.071), and the Lawrenceville ozone monitor had an exceedance on Wednesday, July 8 (.071). The 8-hour standard is .070 parts per million. A reminder that today is a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for ozone and there is the potential for additional ozone exceedances. Also, open burning and outdoor fires are NOT permitted today. #ozoneactionday #exceedance #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #DEP #ACHD #ozone #airquality

Editor’s Note: GASP on Aug. 26 delivered a petition signed by nearly 600 people and 16 local organizations calling for the Allegheny County Health Department to provide a substantive update on the ongoing emissions issues at U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson plant. After complaints from concerned citizens and clean air groups over an opaque, reddish-brown plume billowing from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant on the evening of June 17, the Allegheny County Health Department agreed to investigate this incident – which the company said was due to a faulty valve – as well as high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) detected near the Braddock facility a week later. Unfortunately, as of the time of publication of this article, neither U.S. Steel nor ACHD has updated the public about steps being taken to address these recent incidents. This silence is all the more concerning in light of EPA data showing “high priority violations” over each of the past six quarters at Edgar Thomson, as well as Create Lab camera footage of the facility showing many instances of what are apparently heavy smoke emission episodes. One such incident appeared to have happened as recently as July 4. But that’s not the only update owed to local residents: They’ve also been waiting for more than two and half years to learn the outcome of a Notice of Violation and Noncompliance the Allegheny County Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delivered to U.S. Steel in November 2017 covering violations at its Edgar Thomson facility. That notice stated that both ACHD and the EPA observed multiple violations of both county and federal rules at the Braddock facility from 2016 through July 2017. A November 2017 ACHD press release regarding the NOV stated in part: “The nature of the violations includes excessive visible emissions, failure to maintain equipment and failure to certify compliance with the plant’s Title V operating permit. To enhance the Health Department’s enforcement efforts, ACHD has actively engaged the EPA over the course of the last nine months. The EPA brings an expanded level of federal expertise, as well as additional enforcement capacity that will support stronger action by utilizing the Department of Justice and EPA’s capacity to enact more stringent penalties.” ACHD officials at the time said the cooperative effort would maximize resources to ensure the plant got back into compliance. In the release, then-ACHD director Dr. Karen Hacker said: “With EPA on board, our enforcement power is exponentially increased. These violations must stop*. U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant must come into compliance to improve the air quality for the health of all county residents. The health of our county is paramount*.” The 2017 notice of violation was expected to begin the process of determining the necessary penalties and eventual equipment improvements that would return the plant to compliance with federal and county air quality pollution requirements. Yet, here we are in the second half of 2020, and still no report has been issued by ACHD or EPA even hinting at steps being taken toward resolving the issues. The only available information on the progress of the compliance report – and what mitigation efforts will be undertaken by the steel-making giant to ensure that incidents like the ones on June 17 don’t happen again – is an ACHD “Compliance Status Report…current as of Jan. 1, 2020” indicating the Edgar Thomson Works is “Non-Compliant.” In full, it reads: “EPA worked with ACHD and issued a notice of violation on 11/9/2017; EPA (and DOJ), USS, and ACHD are working towards an agreement resolving multiple previous non-compliance issues. USS ET combusted non-compliant coke oven gas due to the USS Clairton fires which is a separate ongoing action.” This lack of transparency is why the Group Against Smog and Pollution is calling on ACHD and the EPA to provide a more substantive update. Because residents deserve better – and they’ve had enough. “We live with red smoke, black smoke, hazy skies and burnt, industrial, rotten egg smells. Our sleep is disrupted and our eyes and noses are irritated. Long term exposure hurts our hearts, lungs and brains and makes us more susceptible to viruses,” North Braddock resident Edith Abeyta said. “We have been waiting for change with our windows closed. It is time for the Allegheny County Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize clean air so we can open our windows and go outside.” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini agreed. “How much longer are our neighbors in Braddock and the surrounding communities expected to endure the conduct of U.S. Steel? How much longer will they be asked to trust the process?” she asked. “While people in the Mon Valley suffer from dirty air, U.S. Steel has been allowed to operate its Edgar Thomson facility unfettered for years even after a high-profile pronouncement from the health department that the issues there needed to stop.” Filippini continued: “If ACHD and the EPA want people to feel like they are putting the health of residents first, they actually have to follow through and take a stand. We’re still waiting for that.” *Emphasis added Editor’s Note: Here are some helpful links and resources for those who’d like a refresher on the 2017 NOV: The notice of violation document can be viewed here. U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Mill on Notice for Air Pollution, Equipment Violations, by Don Hopey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette U.S. Steel’s Braddock Plant Cited for Pollution Violations, by Sarah Boden or WESA U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant Cited Accused of Excessive Emissions, by Theresa Clift of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review #EdgarThomson #airpollution #USSteel #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACHD #EPA #airquality

Concerns over poor air quality and recent emissions issues at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works facilities dominated the public comments period of the Allegheny County Board of Health meeting Wednesday afternoon. Nearly 20 people submitted comments sharing their worry over poor air quality, including GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini, who expressed concern over a lack of transparency regarding recent emissions issues at the Edgar Thomson plant. She again called on Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) officials to provide a substantive update on how – and when – the facility will be forced to get back into compliance with county and federal air quality regulations. She noted that ACHD and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly issued a notice of violation to U.S. Steel back in 2017 following what officials called continued emissions issues at Edgar Thomson. Unfortunately, no information has been shared since then regarding what penalties and equipment upgrades would be required to get the facility back into compliance. “ACHD officials at the time said the cooperative effort with EPA would maximize resources to ensure the plant got back into compliance and that the NOV was the beginning of a process that would determine what penalties, as well as equipment and operational changes, would be required. Yet, here we are in the second half of 2020, and still, no report has been issued by ACHD or EPA. GASP is troubled by this lack of transparency, and we are calling on both agencies to provide more answers,” Filippini said in her comments. She continued: “Residents have had enough and they deserve better. While our neighbors in the Mon Valley continue to suffer from dirty air, U.S. Steel has been permitted to operate Edgar Thomson unfettered for years. If you want residents to feel like their health is of paramount importance, you must actually follow through and take action against industry polluters like U.S. Steel that regularly buck air pollution laws.” In his comments, Breathe Project Executive Director Matt Mehalik told the board that since its last meeting in May, the Clairton area has appeared in the top-5 list of U.S. cities with the worst air quality 25 times in 62 day – or about 40 percent of the time, according to data from AirNow.com, a website that tracks air quality nationally. Many residents who wrote in about air quality acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic and response required a full-court press from the health department, but stressed that air quality enforcement could no longer be put on the back burner. “Air quality has never been more important in the Steel Valley,” Allegheny County resident April Clisura said. Another commenter, Thaddeus Popovich – a Franklin Park resident and member of Allegheny County Clean Air Now (ACCAN) – told the board that “noxious” odors that have long pervaded his neighborhood has spurred him to move across the county to Berkeley, California. Resident Maylyn Torpey called on the department to prioritize air quality because the health of so many depends upon it. “I want to live a long, healthy life, but without climate action, I will not be able to,” she said. Longtime Clairton resident Art Thomas told the board about the myriad health issues his wife is facing – illnesses that he largely attributes to air pollution emanating from U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works. He described rancid odors and told the board he has to wear a mask in order to sleep at night. “It’s no fun getting old in Clairton,” he said. North Braddock resident Edith Abayta asked the board how much longer she’d have to wait for air quality to improve in her neighborhood – one that’s home to U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomas plant. “When do I get to breathe air that does not harm me?” she asked. In other business: The board voted to send revisions to the PM2.5 SIP – Motor Vehicle Emissions Budget to public comment. ACHD’s Director of Environmental Health said the public comment period would run from July 18 – Aug. 17. The draft will then go back before the board for adoption at its Sept. 2 meeting, when it will be forwarded to the state to submit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The board approved a Clean Air Fund request from One Tree Per Child Pittsburgh in the amount of $99,995. About $64,000 of that money will go to purchase 1,200 trees. The program will reach 20 schools in five local districts. U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works plant manager told the board that an environmental audit conducted by a third-party took place June 26, and indicated that a final report will be submitted to ACHD late next month. The plant manager also reported that the company on June 30 submitted an application for an installation permit for the replacement PEC baghouses for Batteries 13-15 and 19-20 for improved capture and control of particulate matter. Both the audit and the installation of the baghouses were required by the 2019 settlement agreement between U.S. Steel and ACHD. #PM25 #airpollution #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #CleanAirFund #ClairtonCokeWorks #airquality

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership, Inc. have forecast a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ozone on Saturday, July 18. An Air Quality Action Day is called when ground-level ozone and/or fine particulates are expected to exceed national health-based standards and may cause breathing problems for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with heart or respiratory disease. Open burning and outdoor fires ARE NOT allowed in Allegheny County on Air Quality Action Days. In addition, GASP and ACHD urge the public to protect themselves and their neighbors by helping to reduce air pollution during these declared Air Quality Action Days through voluntarily limiting pollution-producing activities, such as: Limit daytime driving. Combine trips when possible. Use public transit or rideshare. Walk or bicycle for short trips. Avoid prolonged idling and jackrabbit starts. Don’t refuel. If you must, do so after 7 p.m. Refuel carefully. Don’t top off your tank. Postpone mowing the lawn until after 7 p.m. Use latex instead of oil-based paint. Save energy. Wash dishes and clothes with full loads. Keep window shades/blinds closed during the day to cut down on air conditioning. #ACHD #airquality #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ozoneaction

Editor’s Note: The following was taken from a press release issued today by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). More than $2.1 million in 2019 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants were awarded Monday – money that will fund 18 cleaner fuel vehicle projects statewide. DEP officials said the grants “will help improve air quality and public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change.” “We’re committed to helping Pennsylvanians breathe cleaner air at school, in their neighborhoods, and at their workplaces and to reducing climate change by putting more cleaner fuel vehicles in use around the state,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said in the release. Eighteen vehicle replacement projects located in 13 counties will put 82 cleaner fuel vehicles in use. They’re expected to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1,349 metric tons per year. Two of those projects are right here in Allegheny County: Duquesne Light Company was awarded $20,000 to retrofit four pick-up trucks with a plug-in hybrid electric drive system while Noble Environmental, Inc. received $300,000 to purchase eight CNG garbage trucks. The grant program supports the replacement of older gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles with cleaner fuel vehicles as well as fueling stations intended to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide – a principal greenhouse gas. Electric, ethanol, biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied propane gas, and other cleaner fuels are supported. Local governments, schools, businesses, and organizations may apply for grants. DEP administers the grant program under the Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 2004. You can read a list of all grant recipients here. #DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection #airpollution #diesel #DEP #airquality