Now for something completely different - some GOOD news out of the EPA:   The agency signaled in an Oct. 3 notice its intent to kill an interim final rule that would have delayed the full implementation of the revised National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) for coke ovens like the ones operated at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works facility.   Basically, the withdrawal means the EPA is reinstituting the compliance deadlines set forth in the 2024 final rule revising NESHAP ’ s. EPA now says that the data that it received from the coke industry regarding its rates of compliance with the final rule showed that compliance is indeed currently possible.     But you can read the entire notice here .   We first told you about the disastrous proposal back in August , when we implored you to join GASP in speaking out on the issue…to let the EPA know that delaying the compliance deadline was bad for the environment AND our public health.   So many of you did just that: You submitted public comments expressing your vehement opposition to the proposed rollback, you signed up to testify at one of the public hearings, and you shared our newsletters and social media posts with your networks, encouraging folks to join us in the fight.   And it mattered.   The EPA even acknowledged that part of its decision to change course on the issue was directly because of the robust public opposition to the rollback.   “Thank you to everyone who spoke out,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “This might be a small win, but it sends a huge message: Our voices - especially when we raise them together - make a difference and can absolutely move the needle, even in this political environment.”   Please note: It’s not official-official yet. It will be once its published in the Federal Register. Stay tuned, we’ll let you know when it’s official-official.   In the meantime, if you appreciate the advocacy and watchdog work that GASP has done on this and so many other air quality issues, we humbly ask for your support.   If you aren’t a member yet, we’d love to have you on the team. If you’ve donated in the past but have been wanting to refresh your membership, why not do that today? Here’s how.

The gang at GASP wants to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended our recent panel event, “The Air We Breathe: Health, Cancer, and Our Community.” It was truly a great night. “Your presence and engagement made the event a powerful conversation about the critical link between air quality and public health,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “We were so inspired to see so many community members come together, eager to learn and ready to act.” We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partners, and for our distinguished panel of experts who shared their valuable knowledge with us - thank you, thank you. GASP truly believes that informed communities are empowered communities when it comes to advocating for cleaner air.  “The conversation last night underscored the direct impact that the air we breathe has on our well-being,” Campbell said. “From understanding the science behind local pollution to learning practical ways to protect ourselves and our families, the panel provided essential tools and knowledge. Stay tuned! We will have video soon thanks to our friend Mark Dixon, a local air quality activist and filmmaker who recorded our event (thanks, Mark!). And we would be remiss if we didn't give a huge shoutout to our amazing event partners: Cancer & Environment Network of SWPA  - Connect Cancer Bridges  - Become a Member

Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week published a proposed rule  to eliminate greenhouse gas reporting requirements for most of the sources subject to them.    For one source category – petroleum and natural gas delivery systems – the proposed rule would suspend greenhouse gas reporting requirements until 2034.    Little bit of background: EPA began requiring certain stationary sources to determine and report their greenhouse gas emissions in 2009.  According to the rule proposed on Sept. 16, there are currently 47 source categories (other than petroleum and natural gas delivery systems) that have greenhouse gas reporting obligations.    However (and other than for petroleum and natural gas delivery systems), EPA has determined there is no statutory basis in the Clean Air Act (or elsewhere) to require sources to report their greenhouse gas emissions, which is the reason EPA is proposing to eliminate reporting requirement for those source categories.    Abysmal news for sure, but: It also bears mentioning that we are not aware of any source (at least in western Pennsylvania) that is subject to limits on its emissions of greenhouse gases.   That’s not so with Sources in the petroleum and natural gas delivery systems category. Here’s why: Section 136 of the Clean Air Act does  specifically require those sources to  report their greenhouse gas emissions for the purpose of calculating a waste emissions charge on methane emissions imposed by that section. We wrote about that last year , if you need a little more details on that one.   However, the One Big Beautiful Act, amended section 136 so the waste emissions charge will not be collected until 2034. Accordingly, EPA determined there is currently no statutory purpose to be served by requiring sources in that category to report their greenhouse gas emissions and suspended their greenhouse gas reporting obligation until 2034, when EPA should begin collecting the waste emission” charge pursuant to section 136.   The kicker?   EPA estimates that between now and 2034, the elimination (and suspension) of the greenhouse gas reporting requirement will save the entities that are subject to it a little less than $302.7 million per year in compliance costs.    “The proposed rule did not attempt to calculate the value of any losses that might be suffered as a result of the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions reports, nor did it identify how those reports are used to further the purposes spelled out in the Clean Air Act,” GASP Senior Attorney John Baillie said. Our Executive Director Patrick Campbell called this latest proposed rule “just another in a series of moves to systemically dismantle environmental regulations created to protect public for corporate convenience.”   EPA is accepting comments on the proposed rule through Nov. 3 and will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule on Oct. 1.  You can submit comments at www.regulations.gov , identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0186.   Editor’s Note: Stay tuned – we’ll be sharing more guidance on how

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) on Friday released new details related to air quality monitoring in the wake of the deadly exposion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works last month. Here's what ACHD released as a press release: The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has monitoring results from Mobile Air Units provided by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that were stationed in the Mon Valley shortly after the Clairton Coke Works explosion in August. No immediate health risks were measured by any of the instruments including DEP and CMU's mobile monitoring or ACHD's stationary monitoring. DEP monitoring equipment in the area showed short-term exposure limits did not exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. CMU data is still undergoing final processing and quality assurance checks from its mobile monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and black carbon on August 15, 2025. Preliminary results showed no specific "hot spots" tied to the explosion and were generally consistent with data from ACHD's regulatory monitoring network. CMU will submit the finalized data to ACHD, and ACHD will review and post the information on its website. As part of broader efforts to understand pollutant levels near the Clairton Coke Works, ACHD and its partners detected compounds, including hydrocarbons and air toxics known to be associated with coke production. These compounds have been observed previously through fence line and permanent monitors and are included in the annual emissions inventories for the Clairton facility. DEP did measure concentrations of air toxics such as formaldehyde, ethyl benzene, and xylene at the fence line, but those concentrations were only observed for a brief time period and were mostly undetectable throughout most of the testing periods. These findings could indicate health risks, but ACHD is continuing to evaluate the DEP report and other data to determine if there are any potential issues. ACHD will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Editor's Note: GASP continues to follow this issue closely and will keep you posted as new details become available.

Just a quick appreciation post: The gang at GASP wants to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who attended our recent Walk and Talk at Fall Run Park, a hidden gem just a few minutes from the city.  We had a wonderful stroll through the park and even better discussion about the many overlapping issues of water and air quality through the lens of summer ecology. Fall Run Park, with its stunning waterfall and (usually) meandering stream, provided the perfect backdrop for this discussion. Thank you again for joining us. We hope you left with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our air and water, and a renewed sense of purpose in protecting these vital resources. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to get involved with GASP and our wonderful partners at Three Rivers Waterkeeper.

Last month’s deadly explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works left the community reeling, and while the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) issued alerts via social media and through press releases, the incident underscores the need for a more robust emergency alert system for when industrial incidents occur. While the Aug. 11 explosion was the latest incident, it wasn’t the first: Major emergencies have also occurred at Neville Chemical, Metalico, and other industrial facilities. This isn’t a new call to action. Sadly, GASP has been calling on county leaders to develop such a plan since (gulp) 1972. But it’s one that we renewed Wednesday, when GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell addressed the Allegheny County Board of Health. Here’s what he told them: Good evening. My name is Patrick Campbell, and I am the Executive Director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP), a nonprofit that has been working to improve our region’s air quality since 1969. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you remotely tonight. I’m here to address a critical issue for our community: the urgent need for a robust emergency alert system for industrial incidents such as the Aug. 11 explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works. This is not a new request—GASP has been raising this concern since 1972. First, I want to thank the Allegheny County Health Department for the improvements we saw in public health messaging after this most recent incident. ACHD’s timely communication—through press releases and social media—was an important step forward, and we truly appreciate that progress. But we know more must be done to ensure that all residents are promptly notified in ways that directly reach them when incidents occur that can, or may, impact their health. In emergencies, information is the most powerful tool. Without it, fear and confusion spreads, and people are left unsure of how to protect themselves and their families. While press releases and social media are useful, they cannot be the only channels. A truly inclusive plan is needed—one that ensures direct, real-time alerts to residents across the Mon Valley and the county. Such a plan should be developed collaboratively, with input from county council, community leaders, emergency responders, advocates, and industry representatives. By building on the foundation ACHD has already established, and by strengthening tools like the Mon Valley and Allegheny Alerts systems, we can ensure residents receive timely, clear, and accessible information during industrial emergencies. This isn’t about assigning blame or making something punitive. It is about creating a system that prioritizes public health, empowers residents to take precautions, and demonstrates that local leaders are prepared to act swiftly and decisively. An effective communication plan is more than just sending out alerts—it is about building trust. It shows residents that their well-being is at the center of decision-making. GASP is ready to partner with ACHD and other stakeholders to develop such a system. Together, we can make sure that when the next incident occurs, residents are equipped with the best information they need to stay safe. Thank you.

Friends, we have some awesome news to share: GASP has hired its first-ever environmental health manager. Her name is Rachel Macias, and we think yinz are really gonna like her. We certainly do. Originally from the West Coast, Rachel earned her undergraduate degree in public health science from the University of California, Irvine, and her master’s of public health degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel now calls the South Side of Pittsburgh her home, one she shares with her husband and three cats. She comes to GASP from The Center for Sleep and Circadian Science at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, where she served as a senior research associate. Prior to her tenure there, she served as a network project manager at PaTH Clinical Research Network at the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel has a wealth of experience in research and public health, having served as a graduate student researcher at the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health as well as its Department of Epidemiology. “GASP's mission is fundamentally linked to public health - we work to improve air quality, and the effects of poor air quality—like asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses, which are major public health issues. And we think Rachel’s a perfect fit for GASP and the work we are trying to accomplish,” GASP Executive DIrector Patrick Campbell said.  GASP President Jonathan Nadle agreed. “We’re thrilled to have Rachel join our team. Her expertise will help us connect our advocacy work directly to the health outcomes that matter to our community,” he said. “She understands the data, the policies, and the real-world impacts of environmental factors on people's well-being. This knowledge is crucial for strengthening our arguments and making our case to policymakers.” Rachel said she looks forward to getting to work. "I'm delighted to join the exceptional team here at GASP. Working for an organization with such a remarkable legacy is truly a dream come true!" Rachel said. "I am excited to apply my experience in epidemiological research to this position. I hope that by weaving robust health data into our work, we can only strengthen our advocacy efforts and reinforce the need for policy change."  Please join us in welcoming Rachel to the GASP Gang. Editor’s Note: Rachel can be reached at rachelm@gasp-pgh.org .

The federally required annual review of Title V Air Quality permitting by the Allegheny County Health Department showed repeat concerns with a backlog in permit issuance and some accounting practices, Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor said in a press release Thursday. By way of background: GASP was the first to raise the alarm over the Title V permit backlog. Here is this year's report. Here’s what his office sent out in a press release this morning:   During 2024, the year the audit covers, 28 industrial pollution sources in Allegheny County were subject to Title V permitting. U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works facilities were assessed the largest amount of fees in 2024 at over $922,000, with the Clairton Coke Works the largest of these at over $620,000.   "Given continuing concerns with air quality in our region, Allegheny County residents are fortunate to have our own air quality monitoring agency with the ability to set and enforce transparent standards for local industries. The Health Department has made considerable progress in recent years in reducing the backlog of outstanding permits and in processing applications more quickly. However, our review shows that further improvements are needed to achieve full compliance with the Department's obligations," O'Connor said.   As of the close of 2024, permits had not been issued or denied to six major pollution sources in the County within 18 months of application as required by federal statute. This was up from five outstanding applications at the close of 2023, including two permits outstanding in both years. The Health Department reported that three of these permits had been issued since the end of the audit period and that the others were in various stages of revision or review.   The audit also found that over $1 million was due to the Title V fund from other funds within the Health Department's Air Quality program due to cross-charges, a significant increase from $584,000 at the close of 2023. Federal law requires funds derived from Title V permitting to be used exclusively for expenditures within the program. Current Department accounting practices could allow these funds to be used for other purposes, auditors found. The same finding has been made in successive audits and not corrected, the audit report states.   "Responsibly maintaining and monitoring funding streams for air quality control across multiple functions of the Air Quality program is crucial to mitigating the impact of industrial pollution on all of our residents, especially highly vulnerable communities near major pollution sources. Along with this examination of the Title V fund, my office previously issued an audit calling for more productive use of the Clean Air Fund designated for community projects related to air quality," O'Connor said. "I am also in support of modernizing the fee structure for air quality permitting, which will allow the Health Department to maintain and improve its work in this area without harmful funding constraints."   View the complete Independent Auditor's Report .   View the complete Independent Auditor's Report on Internal Control and Compliance . Editor’s Note: GASP staff is reviewing the audit - stay tuned.

Did you know that every year, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) must publish an air quality network monitoring plan providing a detailed description of how - and where - air pollution is monitored in Allegheny County? It’s true! The annual Air Network Monitoring plan is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and details the specific location of each monitoring station, as well as the department’s monitoring methods, monitoring objectives, frequency of sampling, pollutants measured, and any planned changes to the network. And right now, ACHD is seeking public comment on its 2026 Air Quality Network Monitoring Plan  through 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25  so your friendly neighborhood air quality watchdogs at GASP wanted to provide a breakdown of what’s new and notable in the report and how (and why) you should consider submitting weighing in on the proposed changes. Where Does ACHD Monitor Air Quality & Why? ACHD operates nine monitoring sites to meet its core objectives under Article 21 for all monitoring networks across the county. There are three core objectives: #1. Provide air pollution data to the general public in a timely manner #2. Support compliance with ambient air quality standards and emissions strategy development and #3. Support for air pollution research studies The monitoring site locations are established to meet certain objectives. Case in point: There is a site along the Parkway East set up expressly to monitor pollutants from mobile sources.  Many sites now monitor continuously as technology and internet connectivity have advanced, but not all pollutants can be monitored in real-time. Air Quality Monitoring Changes Proposed for 2026  In the plan, ACHD detailed monitoring additions since the publication of its 2025 Air Quality Network Monitoring Plan. They include: Postponement of Lawrenceville Monitoring station site move due to unforeseen new construction and commercial operations in Chateau  Addition of continuous PM2.5 monitoring at Harrison site  The plan also provides information on proposed changes to the air monitoring network. Spoiler: There’s some really good stuff in there!   The proposed updates include: New PM2.5 monitoring site at Glassport site and the addition of continuous PM2.5 monitoring at the South Fayette site ( good things! ) Addition of meteorology (wind speed & direction) sensors at Avalon and Clairton sites (great things! ) Addition of hydrogen sulfide monitoring at Clairton site ( an   amazing thing! ) Removal of PM10 monitoring at Glassport site ( ACHD explained the monitoring was redundant - we agree ) Relocation of Lawrenceville monitoring station (NCore, PAMS, NATTS, IMPROVE, ASCENT, and CSN) to the Carnegie Mellon University campus ( this is a big deal - it take a LONG time for ACHD to find a suitable site) . GASP’s Take on the Air Network Monitoring Plan Generally - and technically - GASP has nothing but cheers for the plan. The network is expanding, new monitors are being deployed, and more pollutants are being measured.  “We are particularly grateful for the additional hydrogen sulfide monitoring,” Campbell said. “GASP has been calling on the health department for years to do more to study and curb the Mon Valley’s H2S exceedance problem, and more robust monitoring is another step in the right direction.” How and Why to Submit a Public Comment GASP will be submitting formal comments in support of the plan and we will hope you will join us in weighing in on this crucial document.  Here’s how to submit your public comments: You can email them to ACHD’s David D. Good at David.Good@alleghenycounty.us  or mail them to 301 39th Street, Building 7, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

Dear Fellow Breathers, Can you believe it?! Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is celebrating its 56th year of fighting for healthy air in our community! And what better way to mark the occasion than with a special membership drive? We're so proud of the work we've done together since our inception in 1969. From advocating for stronger regulations at the local, state and federal levels, to educating the public about air quality issues, to taking legal action against prolific polluters, it’s been a wild advocacy ride so far. But with the recent Trump EPA regulatory rollbacks, ongoing local Air Quality Program funding issues, and the ever-present threat of industrial pollution, our work remains critical.  Honestly, we couldn’t do it without you.  Join the GASP Gang and Get Some Sweet Swag! To celebrate our 56th birthday, we’re hosting a membership drive to expand our ranks and raise much-needed cash for our watchdog work. And to sweeten the membership deal for first-time donors: We’ll send new members who make a donation of at least $50 a sweet GASP decal for your ride/laptop/water bottle.  So, what are you waiting for? Here’s how to make a donation.