Biography

 

The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is non-profit organization that has long helped lead the fight for cleaner air in southwestern Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1969 as a volunteer-led organization.

Since then, GASP has worked tirelessly to educate the public about air quality issues as well as combat air pollution problems in a variety of ways—including public meetings, educational events, permit review, and press inquiries.

 

As one of the leading air quality activist organizations in the region, GASP has also participated on myriad local, state, and national boards, and has worked with stakeholder groups and as part of environmental policy committees.

 

With two attorneys on staff, GASP has also held polluters and regulatory agencies accountable through litigation when necessary. Since our inception, we have brought action related to requiring Allegheny County to adopt pollution standards based on the Clean Air Act. We have also filed suit related to the enforcement of:

• air quality standards at Clairton Coke Works

• LTV Corporation’s air quality violations at the firm’s former Hazelwood plant

• DTE’s long-standing air quality infractions at its former Neville Island Shenango coke plant

 

GASP is led by Executive Director Patrick Campbell and boasts seven staff members. The nonprofit is governed by a board of directors. At the helm of that board is President Jonathan Nadle.

 

Fact Sheet

 

Mission: The Group Against Smog and Pollution works to improve air quality to protect human, environmental, and economic health in southwestern Pennsylvania.

 

Founded: 1969

 

Service Area: Primarily southwestern Pennsylvania, although recent funding has allowed GASP to extend its advocacy footprint into the Erie area.

 

Headquarters: 1133 S. Braddock Ave., Suite 1A, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

 

Leadership: Executive Director Patrick Campbell/Board President Jonathan Nadle

 

Employees: Seven

 

Media Contact:

Amanda Gillooly

Communications Manager

412-924-0604 x206

amanda@gasp-pgh.org

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How many members does GASP have?

GASP has hundreds of members in the Pittsburgh area and beyond! Join us!

 

How do you become a member of GASP?

Becoming a member of GASP is quick and easy! Just click here to join!

 

Are there different types of memberships?

Yes! GASP has tiered membership levels that fit any budget! You can get all the details here.

Gifts to GASP can also be made in other ways, too—life insurance, stocks, or by including GASP in your will. Contact us at kathy@gasp-pgh.org if you’re interested (or have questions).

 

How do I contact GASP?

There are several ways to contact GASP. Press inquiries should be directed to GASP’s communications manager, Amanda Gillooly. She can be reached at amanda@gasp-pgh.org or via telephone at 412-924-0604 x206.

 

How do I make an air quality complaint?

It depends on where you live. If you live in Allegheny County, air quality complaints should be directed to the Allegheny County Health Department. If you live in Pennsylvania but outside of Allegheny County, you should direct air quality complaints to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). More information about making air quality complaints can be found here.

 

Is GASP hiring? Accepting applications for internships?

You can keep up to date with internship and employment opportunities at GASP by signing up for GASP alerts. 

 

With what other organizations does GASP partner?

GASP works with myriad environmental organizations, local nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who share our mission. More information about the organizations with which we partner can be found on our resources page.

 

Where can I find out what events GASP is planning?

To get the latest information GASP events, check out our events page.

 

Where can I find information on major sources of local air pollution?

You can find this information on our Air Permits Clearinghouse.

 

When was GASP founded?

GASP was founded in 1969 by volunteers concerned about air quality in the greater Pittsburgh area. We’ve been fighting to improve local air quality ever since. You can read more about our inception, history and mission here.

 

What government resources related to air quality does GASP recommend?

A list of local, state, and federal government resources can be found here.

 

Where is GASP located?

GASP is located in the Edgewood Borough, just 7 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. Our mailing address and other contact information is available here.

 

How is GASP funded?

GASP is funded through grants, donations and membership fees.

 

How do I make a donation to GASP?

People who wish to make a tax-deductible donation to GASP may do so on our website via PayPal. Checks made out to Group Against Smog and Pollution are also accepted and can be mailed to our office at: 1133 S. Braddock Ave., Suite 1A, Edgewood, PA 15218.  

 

What is GASP’s mission?

GASP works to improve air quality to protect human, environmental, and economic health in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our vision statement can be read here. Check out our vision statement here.

 

How many staff members does GASP employ?

GASP employs five full-time staff members – our executive director, a programs manager, a communications manager, an attorney, and a field technician. We also have one part-time employee – an officer manager.

 

Who runs GASP?

GASP’s operations are governed by its board of directors in conjunction with the executive director.

 

When are GASP’s board meetings held?

Board meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in the GASP office or via Zoom.

How do you become a volunteer with GASP and what opportunities are available?

There are many ways to get involved with GASP! Please contact GASP if you would like to learn more. 

 

Is GASP on social media?

Yes! You can follow GASP on Twitter and Instagram. Join the conversation on Facebook by liking us here.

 

Is GASP working on any current projects to help air quality?

Yes! GASP is currently in the midst of several ongoing projects aimed at improving air quality. Learn all about them on our projects page!

 

How do you sign up to receive weekly GASP Alerts?

To receive our weekly GASP Alert email, sign up using the form at the bottom of our homepage or email our communications manager at amanda@gasp-pgh.org and ask to be included on our mailing list!

 

How does GASP tackle air quality issues?

At GASP we approach air quality issues in three ways: Through education, policy initiatives, and legal watchdog work.