With all of the news surrounding an air quality-related enforcement order against U.S. Steel this week, GASP wanted to make sure a significant new proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency didn’t get missed – because it’s a big deal. Here’s what happened: Earlier this week, the EPA announced it is proposing new, stronger standards to promote clean air and reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in the model year 2027. The proposed standards would reduce emissions of smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines and set updated greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for certain commercial vehicle categories. This proposed rule would ensure the heavy-duty vehicles and engines that drive American commerce and connect people across the country are as clean as possible while charting a path to advance zero-emission vehicles in the heavy-duty fleet. The proposed action would reduce NOx emissions from trucks by as much as 60 percent in 2045 – a move that would result in widespread air quality improvements across the United States, especially in areas already overburdened by air pollution and diesel emissions. The benefits of the proposed rule would exceed its costs by billions of dollars. EPA estimates that “by 2045 the most ambitious option outlined in today’s proposal would result in the following annual benefits”: Up to 2,100 fewer premature deaths 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits 18,000 fewer cases of asthma onset in children 3.1 million fewer cases of asthma symptoms and allergic rhinitis symptoms 78,000 fewer lost days of work 1.1 million fewer lost school days for children The EPA’s latest action is the first step in EPA’s “Clean Trucks Plan” – a series of clean air and climate regulations the agency will develop over the next three years to reduce pollution from trucks and buses and to advance the transition to a zero-emissions transportation future. EPA’s goal is to deliver significant – and needed – public health benefits by designing a program that sets ambitious standards and that are feasible for the trucking industry after giving appropriate consideration to cost and other factors while supporting the American economy. To accomplish this, EPA has engaged with stakeholders and identified several options in the proposal that address the robustness of the standards, the timing for phasing in the standards, options to incentivize early clean technology adoption, and improvements to emissions warranties. The proposed revisions to existing GHG standards for model year 2027 and beyond would set updated GHG emissions standards for subsectors where electrification is advancing at a more rapid pace – think school buses, transit buses, commercial delivery trucks, and short-haul tractors. In a separate action, EPA will be setting new GHG emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles as soon as the model year 2030. This action will more comprehensively address the long–term trend toward zero-emissions vehicles across the heavy-duty sector. A public comment period and hearing will give stakeholders and the public an opportunity to comment on the proposal. “EPA’s existing standards for emissions from heavy-duty vehicles have not been updated in many years,” GASP senior attorney John Baillie said. “ The implementation of these new standards will modernize the heavy-duty vehicle fleet and greatly reduce the harmful emissions that trucks and buses produce.” For more information on the rule on the public comment process, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-and-related-materials-control-air-1 Check back, this blog will be updated with more information about the public comment period and hearing as soon as that information is available. #airpollution #GHGrules #EnvironmentalProtectionAgency #EPA #dieselemissions #greenhousegasemissions #airquality

The nearly $1 million in stipulated penalties the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) issued recently to U.S. Steel for air quality violations at its Clairton Coke Works facility had many asking: Where does all that money go? Who decides how it will be spent? So, GASP thought it was an opportune time to revisit the U.S. Steel Community Benefit Trust established back in 2019 as part of a settlement agreement between the company and ACHD. How is the U.S. Steel Community Benefit Trust Funded? That 2019 settlement agreement saddled U.S. Steel with a $2.7 million civil penalty and stipulated that 90 percent of it be used to establish the trust, which benefits Clairton, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln, and Port Vue. The remaining 10 percent of that fine was to be paid to the Allegheny County Clean Air Fund (CAF). The agreement also mandated that 90 percent of future stipulated penalties benefit the fund. That means that of the $859,000 civil penalty, $773,370 would be earmarked for the community benefit trust, with the remaining $85,930 to be funneled to the CAF. GASP wants to pause here to make sure everyone understands: The U.S. Steel Community Benefit Trust is funded solely by air quality-related fines from the Clairton Coke Works and its continued existence is dependent on future air quality violations at the facility. “When you read about these projects being completed in your neighborhoods, don’t for one minute think U.S. Steel funded them because they want to be good corporate citizens,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Cambell said. “The communities benefitting from this fund have already paid dearly.” How Does the U.S. Steel Community Trust Work? The community trust is administered by the Smithfield Trust Co., which is paid $3,000 per quarter for that service. The funds are allocated to the communities based on a methodology that takes into consideration things like population and area measured in square miles. Using that methodology, it was determined that Clairton will receive 26.7 percent of the funds, Lincoln will receive 21.9 percent, Glassport will receive 19.9 percent, Port Vue will receive 16.3 percent, and Liberty will receive 15.1 percent. The U.S. Steel Community Benefit Trust is governed by a board composed of one resident from each of the five communities who were “chosen by the respective adjacent communities in whatever manner they choose.” The board meets in private, and the settlement agreement spells out that it must meet at a regular place and time at least once every six months and calls for those meetings to be listed on the official websites of each of the five communities at least 60 days in advance. At those meetings, members will consider and approve projects for funding. What Projects Are Permitted? How Are the U.S. Steel Community Trust Funds Dispersed? To be considered, the settlement agreement states that a project must be “anticipated to improve, protect, or reduce the risk to public health or the environment” and submitted to the board at least 30 days before a meeting. While the settlement agreement addressed ongoing emissions problems at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, the associated supplemental environmental projects do not need to be related to air quality. The money can go toward physical infrastructure improvements such as the construction of a playground or the renovation of green space. Projects that foster the “creation or expansion of programs that are aimed at directly improving the well-being of residents” will also be considered. Projects are approved by a simple majority vote. Here’s another interesting caveat: If a representative from one of the communities is not available to attend and vote it will be “deemed an affirmative vote in favor of any matter before the trust distribution board for a vote at such a meeting.” The agreement also indicates that if the board votes to reject a project, “reasonable detail of the reasons” will be provided. How Can the Public Keep Tabs on How the U.S. Steel Settlement Money is Being Spent? Unfortunately, the settlement agreement requires neither the Allegheny County Health Department nor U.S. Steel to prepare and distribute reports for the public detailing what projects were proposed, approved, and rejected. It simply requires publication of semi-annual account summaries. Those semi-annual reports detail receipts and disbursements and must be posted to the official websites of each of the five communities benefitting from the trust within 60 days of its receipt. Copies of these reports, to be submitted on Jan. 31 and July 31 annually, will also be sent to the Allegheny County Health Department and U.S. Steel. Outside of those receipts, residents would have to do some digging to get more details on what projects had been approved and how much they cost. Last year, GASP staff scoured media reports and municipal meeting minutes to glean such information. That investigation showed that communities used U.S. Steel Benefit Trust money to do everything from pave roads and remove blighted properties to build a community recreational facility and purchase police equipment upgrades. You can read that entire investigation here. What Did Communities Get From the U.S. Steel Benefit Trust in 2021? Each of the communities benefiting from the trust posted the annual account summary to their official website by the deadline except the City of Clairton. As of March 10, the document was still missing from the city’s site. That summary, which provides financial information from Jan. 31, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021, showed that more than $2.33 million was disbursed during that timeframe: The City of Clairton received two cash disbursements totaling $665,302 in 2021. Community Benefit Trust meeting minute notes show the following projects were approved for funding: $250,000 for a combination solar-powered, Wi-Fi-capable cameras and street lights $200,000 for a recreational facility to be located at 571 Miller Avenue $149,816 for a 2020 Peterbilt Dump Truck equipped with snowplow and salt spreader $48,000 for the demolition of an unspecified abandoned, unsafe structure $35,000 for the demolition of an unsafe structure at 438 St. Clair Avenue Glassport Borough received three cash disbursements in 2021 totaling $431,649. Community Trust meeting minutes from April, August, and November of 2021 show the following projects were approved for funding: $50,470 for blighted property demolition $49,834 for a police vehicle $44,967 for nozzles and self-contained breathing device apparatus $20,600 for the 9th Street Park Development $19,557 for Honor Roll Park Beautification Phase II $9,715 for what the minutes describe only as “lifesaving devices” $6,669 emergency apparatus garage Liberty Borough received one cash disbursement totaling $87,187 in 2021. Community Trust meeting minutes show the following projects were approved for funding: $41,994 for air cylinders for the fire department $21,448 for a new tractor for the public works department $15,181 for body and car cameras for the police department $8,563 for a SAM trailer Lincoln Borough received four cash disbursements totaling $613,332. Community Trust meeting minutes show the following projects were approved for funding: $101,000 for a community office and warming center $56,809 for self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for the volunteer fire department $70,000 for what is described in the minutes only as “quality of life” $50,000 for salt shed replacement Port Vue Borough received one cash disbursement totaling $534,500. Community Trust meeting minutes from April, August, and November of 2021 did not include any information on projects for which Port Vue requested funding. A review of 2021 and 2022 borough council meeting minutes reference various upgrades to Romine Park and the community recreation center as well as equipment and training for the volunteer fire department. No further information could be gleaned from available public sources. “When the U.S. Steel Community Trust was first announced, the immediate concern for GASP was transparency, and it still remains a concern,” Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “GASP staff needed to scan multiple municipal websites and many months of meeting minutes to find even basic information about the projects paid for through the trust. We don’t think residents should have to be detectives to follow the money.” Editor’s Note: Here are the dates for the upcoming Community Benefit Trust meetings for 2022. Please note that one already took place Feb. 24. 7:30 p.m. June 9 – City of Clairton, 551 Ravensburg Blvd, Clairton, PA 15025 7 p.m. Aug. 25 – Borough of Glassport, 440 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045 7 p.m. Nov. 17 – Borough of Lincoln, 45 Abe’s Way, Elizabeth, PA 15037

We blogged earlier this month about the installation of new equipment at the J.B Tonkin Compressor Station in Murrysville, Westmoreland County, and the significant reductions in that facility’s potential to emit ozone-forming pollutants that will follow. This week’s Pennsylvania Bulletin contains similar good news about another compressor station – Texas Eastern Transmission’s Holbrook Compressor Station in Greene County (which is right next to Ryerson Station State Park). According to the Bulletin, the Holbrook Compressor Station will swap out 12 existing compressor engines for two low-NOx compressor engines with oxidation catalysts, and will also replace its two existing emergency generators with a single, new natural-gas-fired emergency generator. Based on the facility’s Title V Operating Permit and the notice published in the Bulletin, it appears that the facility’s potential to emit NOx will decrease from as much as 1100 tons per year to 140 tons per year, and its potential to emit VOCs will decrease from as much as 116 tons per year to 62 tons per year. “It bears mention that the facility’s actual emissions are likely to be a lot less than its permitted potential emissions,” GASP staff attorney John Baillie explained. “Still, Texas Eastern Transmission’s investment in more efficient equipment is a positive step that should help control ozone pollution in downwind areas.” #turbines #compressorstations #NOx #VOCs #emissions #HolbrookCompressorStation #GreenCounty #ozone

The Liberty-Clairton area woke up to unhealthy air quality again Tuesday, with EPA’s NowCast AQI soaring to 183 and hourly monitor data showing elevated levels of PM2.5, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide at the Liberty monitor. HEADS UP: Liberty-Clairton waking up to horrific air quality today. Current AQI is listed as 183 by @AIRNow (CodeRed unhealthy for all) & @HealthAllegheny monitor data show sky-high concentrations of both PM2.5 and H2s at the Liberty monitor. Please take care if you’ll be out. pic.twitter.com/9RDdwK4hxP — GASP (@GASPPgh) March 15, 2022 By 8:20 a.m., the Allegheny County Health Department issued the following through the Allegheny Alert system and through social media: Mon Valley Air Pollution Warning Issued An Air Pollution Warning has been issued for the Mon Valley for today and all of tomorrow. The 24-hour PM2.5 standard for the Mon Valley has been exceeded at an official monitoring station in the Mon Valley and is likely to continue. pic.twitter.com/EpTUuzMymi — Allegheny County Health Department (@HealthAllegheny) March 15, 2022 An Air Pollution Warning has been issued for the Mon Valley for the remainder of today and all of tomorrow. The 24-hour PM2.5 standard for the Mon Valley has been exceeded at an official monitoring station in the Mon Valley and is likely to continue. Young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities during this time. Companies most significantly contributing to particulate pollution in the Mon Valley region are required to temporarily reduce particulate emissions. For those who might need a refresher on the Mon Valley Air Pollution Episode Rule, check out our FAQ here. Editor’s Note: At 9:30 a.m. the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a Code Orange Action Day for the Liberty-Clairton area for particulate matter (PM2.5). DEP Declares Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Fine Particulate Matter for Tuesday, March 15, 2022, in the Liberty-Clairton area in Allegheny County: https://t.co/XfzN20i6K3 pic.twitter.com/VNN5vW4kC1 — PA Department of Environmental Protection (@PennsylvaniaDEP) March 15, 2022 #MonValleyAirPollutionWarning #PM25 #MonValleyairquality #A #USSteel #ClairtonCokeWorks #MonValleyAirPollutionEpisodeRule

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Tuesday morning issued a Mon Valley Air Pollution Warning for Tuesday and all of Wednesday. That, of course, meant that the rolling 24-hour average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) level at ACHD’s air quality monitor in Liberty borough exceeded the federal health-based standard *and* that ACHD is confident poor air quality is likely to continue. For those who might need a refresher on the Mon Valley Air Pollution Episode Rule, check out our FAQ here. But PM2.5 wasn’t the only problematic pollutant this morning, nor was it the only one that exceeded regulatory limits. Hourly monitor data show there was also an exceedance of the federal health-based sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard at Liberty. That standard requires SO2 levels to remain below 75 parts per billion (ppb).  So far this morning there were three hours over that limit, with the highest being 89 ppb. In addition, concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (also known as H2S, which has a distinct rotten-egg stench) exceeded Pennsylvania’s 24-hour average standard at the Liberty monitor.  Today makes three days out of five air quality has exceeded the state standard: March 11, Monday (March 14), and today (March 15). There were also exceedances of the PA H2S standard on Monday and today at the North Braddock monitor. This run of foul-smelling air comes on the heels of ACHD last week publishing a study that showed that years’ worth of H2S exceedances at the Liberty monitor were “entirely” caused by emissions from U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works facility and later issuing an associated enforcement order complete with a $1.8 million fine. “Air quality is just awful this morning,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “We’re grateful to ACHD for not hesitating to issue the Mon Valley Air Pollution Warning earlier, but we’re left wondering if any of the sources of the problem care what they are doing to their neighbors. This shouldn’t still be happening and it shouldn’t take regulatory intervention to force companies to consider their impact on public health.” Editor’s Note: We graphed the H2S and PM2.5 data from the Liberty monitor- check it out: #H2S #SO2 #H2Sexceedance #hydrogensulfide #USSteelsClairtonCokeWorks #USSteel #LibertyMonitor #hydrogensulfideexceedance #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACHD #ClairtonCokeWorks #airqualityinLibertyClairton #airquality

In Wednesday’s Federal Register, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its finalized determination that Allegheny County has attained the 2012 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The determination is “based on three years of certified, complete, and valid ambient air monitoring data between 2018 and 2020.” “The annual 2012 NAAQS for PM2.5 is 15 micrograms per cubic meter. To attain the standard, the three-year average of annual mean concentrations cannot exceed that level,” GASP senior staff attorney John Baillie explained. “The inhalation of PM2.5 causes a variety of health problems, so the attainment of the NAAQS is welcome news, even though EPA’s own Integrated Science Assessment conducted in 2019 found that the 2012 annual PM2.5 standard may not adequately protect human health.” As a practical matter, EPA’s determination effectively suspends any obligation for Allegheny County to submit contingency measures (meaning, additional pollution control requirements) to EPA for as long as the county continues to attain the NAAQS, and also means that EPA will not impose a “federal implementation plan” on the county as long as it continues to attain the standard (a federal implementation plan is an additional set of regulations meant to assure attainment and compliance with the NAAQS). EPA’s determination also leaves the county free to request that EPA formally redesignate it as being in attainment of the 2012 annual PM2.5 standard, which requires the submission of a “maintenance plan” to EPA. Editor’s Note: You can read more about the determination process here. #ACHD #AlleghenyCounty #alleghenycountyairquality

We have some *good* news to report for once! Pennsylvania’s Environmental Quality Board has approved new regulations aimed at controlling emissions of volatile organic compounds from sources in the oil and natural gas industry. We commented on these regulations as they were proposed back in July 2020. “The new regulations will require oil and natural gas operators to beef up their leak detection and repair programs at well sites, compressor stations, and storage vessels and also generally require the use of equipment that will reduce VOC emissions,” GASP senior staff attorney John Baillie said. “As a co-benefit, the measures required by the new regulation should also reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas methane from the sources that it covers.” The EQB-ratified regulations must still be approved by the standing committees for Environmental Resources and Energy of both the Pennsylvania House and Senate, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, and the Attorney General before they can be published and become effective. GASP continues to follow this issue closely and will keep you posted. #emissions #volatileorganiccompounds

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is releasing a draft Environmental Justice Public Participation Policy that strengthens language on how it oversees and participates in environmental justice priorities and reform with community partners. The public comment period on the policy is open through Wednesday, May 11. The EJ Policy will help shape and guide DEP’s involvement in environmental justice areas. Since 2004, DEP and the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) have engaged with various stakeholders, including DEP staff, community residents, and the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, to make sure a just and fair commitment to vulnerable communities is made. The EJ Policy includes several sections to expand and improve upon the existing Environmental Justice Public Participation Policy which has been in effect since 2004. The current EJ Policy includes several sections: General Information, which includes definitions, history and background, a description of DEP’s Office of Environmental Justice, and the Environmental Justice Advisory Board. Description of the Permit Review Process and Community Input. This is the process for collecting additional public input for a list of particular permits. Oil and Gas Public Engagement, which was a major need identified by community members. Inspections, Compliance, and Enforcement guidance to expand the policy beyond public participation in the permitting process. Climate Initiatives, which spell out ways that environmental justice can be included in DEP’s climate action plan and other efforts. Opportunities for Community Development and Investments, which considers opportunities to financially assist communities facing environmental justice issues. Policy Updates, which specifies that the policy should be reviewed for updates regularly to ensure that the policy continues to address community concerns. DEP will hold three virtual public hearings for the purpose of accepting comments on the Draft Environmental Justice Policy. The hearings will be held as follows: 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5 (Web Link, Audio conference: +1-415-655-0003, Access code: 2630 690 8427) 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 (Web Link, Audio conference: +1-415-655-0003, Access code: 2633 346 6724) Noon on Thursday, April 28 (Web Link, Audio conference: +1-415-655-0003, Access code: 2633 980 7600) Persons wishing to present testimony at a hearing must contact Glenda Davidson, 717-783-4759 or RA-EPOEJ@pa.gov, at least 24 hours in advance, to reserve a time to present testimony. Language interpretation services are available upon request. Persons in need of language interpretation services must contact Davidson at RA-EPOEJ@pa.gov or at 717-783-4759 at least one week in advance. Verbal testimony is limited to five minutes for each person. Organizations are limited to designating one person to present testimony on their behalf at one hearing. The hearings will be held through WebEx. People may provide testimony by means of telephone or WebEx teleconference. Video demonstrations and screen sharing by those presenting testimony will not be permitted. Members of the public wishing to observe a virtual public hearing without providing testimony are able to view these hearings using the links above. Those who have not registered in advance as described previously will remain muted for the duration of the public hearing. For submitting written comments, commenters are encouraged to submit comments using DEP’s online eComment tool at https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/ or by e-mail to ecomment@pa.gov. Written comments may be mailed to the Technical Guidance Coordinator, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063. #DEP #EnvironmentalJustice #publiccomments

Hey high school students: Want to help build a happier, healthier, and more equitable future? Interested in a career in sustainability but not sure where to start? Then we have some great news: Full and partial scholarships are open for application for high school students interested in attending Chatham University’s Sustainable Leadership Academy slated for  July 23-31. Here’s how organizers describe the experience: Explore topics in sustainability and social justice during an unforgettable week-long experiential retreat at Eden Hall Campus—the world’s first academic community built to be sustainable from below the ground up. The program this year will explore topics including art as activism, sustainable fashion, urban planning and gentrification, ecology, food systems, energy, green buildings…and more! The program is open to rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, as well as students leaving 12th grade. Chatham’s Sustainable Leadership Academy provides the chance to: Experience a taste of college life and earn college credit (which can be covered by scholarship funding!) Participate in hands-on experiential learning with Chatham faculty in the field Explore sustainable highlights of Pittsburgh during guided tours Dive deeply into the connection between participants’ social identities, social justice and sustainability Develop the leadership skills needed to be a change agent Meet like-minded friends Relax and recharge in nature, through exercise or with art Here’s what you need to know to apply: WHEN: March 31 is the next “early bird” scholarship application deadline. Additional scholarships will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 1. WHO: Students with demonstrated financial need and students of color are eligible for SLA scholarships. All applicants for the “early bird” scholarship deadline must attend public school or an approved public charter school. HOW: To apply, please register for the program and then follow the instructions listed on the Credit & Scholarships page of the program website, also listed on the scholarship form during the registration process. #ChathamSustainableLeadershipAcademy #EnvironmentalJustice #sustainablefashion

Mark your calendars because Allegheny County just announced that it’s partnering with the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) for a second year to offer its Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Program in county parks. Beginning on Saturday, April 2, the bin will be located in each park for six days, Saturday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to sundown to allow residents a resource to recycle glass. County officials said in a press release that glass recycling continues to be of interest to county residents especially considering there are fewer curbside options available. Here’s an excerpt: “We know that glass bottles and jars are 100 percent recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing any quality, making the effort to put these items back into the recycling ecosystem even more important. Thank you to PRC and our county Parks Department for making this a priority for our communities.” Little background on the initiative: The Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Program provides a free recycling option using a bin that rotates through locations in western Pennsylvania. Last year at county park events, residents recycled 10.2 tons (20,490 lbs) of glass which reduces CO2 emissions by 0.29 tons. Here’s some more need-to-know info: Individuals can drop off glass bottles, jars, and jugs of all colors No color sorting is required Containers should be empty and rinsed, with lids and labels still on Bags and boxes used to deliver glass must be discarded off-site The program is sponsored by Owens-Illinois, Inc. and CAP Glass and is made possible through a partnership with Michael Brothers Hauling & Recycling. The collection sites at the county parks are made possible through a partnership with the county’s Parks Department and its Sustainability Office. GASP thanks county leaders for bringing back the program for a second year and encourages residents to take advantage of it. “There are so many reasons to get your glass recyclables to a county park during the collection periods,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “Glass recycling takes less energy to produce and research shows that it reduces related air pollution by as much as 20 percent and water pollution by half. This is an easy way to take concrete earth-friendly action.” You can get more information and take a look at collection dates and times here (click Collection Schedules). #alleghenycountyrecycling #AlleghenyCountyglassrecycling #glassrecycling #emissions #airquality #MichaelBrothersHaulingampRecycling