Media Contact: Amanda Gillooly GASP Communications Manager amanda@gasp-pgh.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GASP Pittsburgh Seeking Applicants for ‘Fresh Voices for Clean Air’ Youth Education Initiative The unique learning opportunity is open to Allegheny County high school students PITTSBURGH - The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is seeking Allegheny County students in grades 9-12 to join our new cohort of Fresh Voices for Clean Air - a program that’s focus this year will be creating an oral history project based on people’s real-life experiences with air quality. Participants in the program will learn all about local environmental issues while developing skills related to interviewing, editing, story-telling, media, research, and more. Here’s how Fresh Voices for Clean Air works: Throughout the 2024-25 school year, the group will gather twice a month via a mix of in-person and virtual meetings.  The group will participate in discussions with each other and guest speakers, both to learn more about air quality and to build skills that will help participants become more effective environmental advocates. “Our focus this year will be developing and implementing a cross-generational oral history project exploring real-life experiences of air quality in Allegheny County,” GASP Education and Program Manager Laura Kuster explained. “This year’s cohort will receive training and design the project for the first part of the year and will then begin conducting outreach and interviewing people in the latter half.”   She said the cohort will decide the direction of the project based on the group's interests and skill-building goals. For example, the group may want to edit the interviews into a podcast, video project, zine, exhibit or other format to share with the public. The project will be a group effort, with the support of GASP staff and partners. Bonus: Students who actively participate throughout the program (October 2024 - June 2025) will be eligible for a $100 award at the program's end. Interested or know someone who might be? We invite you to apply today . The application deadline is Sept. 23.  The Fresh Voices for Clean Air  initiative was made possible by funding through the Grable Foundation.    The   Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) , a non-profit founded in 1969, works to improve air quality in southwestern Pennsylvania in order to safeguard human, environmental, and economic health. GASP is a diligent watchdog, educator, litigator and policymaker on a variety of air quality issues impacting our region.  ###

Swissvale Councilwoman Shawn Alfonso Wells acknowledges that yes, navigating the world of sustainability can be difficult.  She said the only way to forge ahead as a municipality mulling ways to mitigate climate change is through “future-forward thinking.” “We’re pretty on top of doing some green things,” she said, adding: “You need to be planning for 20 to 30 years down the line.” And she said that’s what she and her fellow elected officials are working to do. One of the most recent green initiatives was the addition of electric vehicles to its municipal fleet, as well as the construction of a public charging station on Aurelius Street near the Dickson STEAM Academy athletic field thanks to the partnership with Green Edge Tech  and Duquesne Light. Then there were the borough’s first curbside 24/7 accessible electric vehicle charging stations unveiled to the public last fall complete with a celebration commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from local dignitaries and station testing by resident EV owners. Swissvale also successfully sought $700,000 from Allegheny County Health Department’s Clean Air Fund to replace its trash and recycling trucks with electric versions as well as install two charging stations at the borough’s Public Works Department. But how did they get started on their municipal EV journey and secure those investments? Wells said it could not have been done without help from CONNECT.  “(They) work really hard to make sure resources are available,” she said. “And (they) really made sure we were on track throughout the process.” In addition to the technical and other support provided by CONNECT staff, Wells said just being in contact with municipal officials from other parts of the county and seeing what they are working on has been inspirational. “You get to see what they are doing, and you want to do similar stuff,” she said. “It’s such a learning experience.” Right now, the world of electrification isn’t the only green initiative in the works. The Borough is also in the process of becoming certified as a Bird Town Pennsylvania . This program through the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania  seeks to build a network of individuals, community groups and municipalities dedicated to increasing both the quality and quantity of bird-friendly habitats in Pennsylvania.  And then there’s the borough’s Open Spaces initiative that aims to transform vacant lots into places the community can enjoy - think dog parks, areas with benches and picnic tables, and butterfly gardens. Her advice to fellow municipal officials navigating the sometimes-confusing world of sustainability? “Remember that it’s the small things,” Alfonso Wells said. “Look at the low hanging fruit - it’s a start!”

U.S. Steel has been a perennial air polluter, so GASP has been closely following news related to Nippon Steel’s pending acquisition of the Mon Valley Works facilities.  Last night, the company dropped some significant news: That it had committed to investing “no less” than $1 billion to “replace and/or upgrade the existing hot strip mill and other facilities at Mon Valley.” According to a Nippon release, this investment would include “improving yield, increasing energy efficiency, improving product quality, and enhancing overall operating effectiveness.” Here’s what they said in a release: Nippon Steel plans to ensure Mon Valley Works operates for decades to come and will undertake the necessary investments so that it remains viable and provides jobs for future generations of steelworkers in Pennsylvania.  As part of that commitment and following the closing of the Transaction, Nippon Steel will replace and/or upgrade the existing hot strip mill at Mon Valley Works and other facilities.  Nippon Steel believes that a transformed Mon Valley Works will expand U. S. Steel's ability to serve a broader range of markets and customers, create additional high-grade steel capabilities, strengthen the competitive positioning of Mon Valley's blast furnace operations, and secure American steel supply. An additional $300 million in the Gary Works was also announced.  Nippon said it “continues to see numerous opportunities for technology transfer to U. S. Steel following the closing of the transaction to reduce the environmental footprint and extend the longevity of the USW-represented facilities.” How are they gonna do that? Here’s how they explained it: This includes sharing Nippon Steel's COURSE50 technology (currently proven to reduce carbon emissions by 33% in a test blast furnace) and progress on carbon capture and storage technologies, among other environmental benefits with U. S. Steel. So, what’s the possible timeline on the pending acquisition? Nippon said it expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2024, subject to the fulfillment of the remaining customary closing conditions, including receipt of required U.S. regulatory approvals. GASP continues to follow this issue closely and will keep you posted.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Monday announced a new registered apprenticeship program to train workers to plug oil and gas wells, "helping to protect the environment and public health while providing workers with in-demand skills and family-sustaining wages." Here's what you need to know: The new program will be run out of the United Mine Workers of America Career Centers, Inc.’s (UMWACC) Ruff Creek Training Center in Greene County where Gov. Josh Shapiro visited earlier this month to highlight bipartisan investments in workforce development.   UMWACC’s Gas Well Capping Technician program – the first-ever registered apprenticeship program for UMWA – provides workers with the knowledge to plug abandoned and orphaned wells that have the potential to cause health, safety, or environmental concerns and to mitigate harmful emissions and provide an economic boost to rural Appalachian communities transitioning away from fossil fuel economies.  “We have a huge abandoned well problem in Pennsylvania, and we need qualified and well-trained people to plug them. There are more than 350,000 orphaned and abandoned wells across our Commonwealth – and they make up nearly 8% of our total methane emissions.” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said in a news release. “Sooner or later, every orphaned well is going to be a threat to the environment and public health, and we need people with the skills and training to plug the wells and restore the surrounding landscape. In addition to removing the threat that old wells pose, some active wells could find new life as geothermal wells, capturing buried heat for clean energy.”  The Gas Well Capping Technician program is officially registered with the Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), housed within the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I), and will train workers on the following topics: safety, well capping techniques, cement properties and skills, and land remediation." In 2022 the U.S. Department of the Interior awarded Pennsylvania an initial grant of $25 million to plug orphaned and abandoned gas wells. More information about the orphan and abandoned well plugging program is on the DEP website: Rewriting Pennsylvania's Legacy ( pa.gov ) .

Good news alert: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has made nearly $1 million available for projects that will promote environmental education and stewardship across Pennsylvania. Many of last year’s awardees also supported people in environmental justice communities , communities composed of Pennsylvanians that are more threatened by climate change, air pollution, and water pollution (example: Clairton and other Mon Valley communities).   DEP’s 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program is accepting applications through Nov. 15.  Up to $1 million worth of grants may be awarded for environmental education projects that engage people about clean water and climate change, especially projects that focus on environmental justice areas. Eligible applicants include schools, colleges, nonprofit community and environmental organizations, county conservation districts, and businesses.    “Environmental Education grants are some of the best ways to teach people about the water they drink and the air they breathe. The projects that these grants support strengthen the bonds between people and their environment so they are able to make informed decisions and take responsible actions for their communities,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These projects are especially important to communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution.”   Interested? Wanna learn more? Then mark your calendar for a free 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program webinar that will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10. DEP staff will provide proposal tips and instructions for completing required application forms. The program will conclude with a Q&A session. Please note that registration by Sept. 30 , is required: 2025 EE Grants Program Webinar Registration .    Projects with a local focus may receive up to $5,000 and regional or statewide initiatives may receive up to $30,000. Projects that engage students and teachers from at least 60 Pennsylvania counties at three levels, local, state, and national, may be awarded up to $65,000.   Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. Projects must be implemented during the period July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.     Information about the grants program is available at Environmental Education Grants . Electronic applications must be submitted through the Keystone Login (first-time users will need to register).    The Environmental Education Grants Program has supported a wide range of activities from tours and workshops to hands-on field experiences and action projects. Go to 2024 EE Grant Awards for a listing of projects that were awarded funding in Spring 2024.

Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is seeking a full-time field technician to join our team. The field technician is responsible for the regular collection of air samples in support of an EPA-funded regional air quality monitoring project in partnership with several community partner organizations. The Field Technician reports to our executive director and works closely with the project manager. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental science or a related field and an interest in air quality. Please note that training will be provided. Field Technician is a grant-funded and currently temporary position lasting the duration of the project, until Summer 2027. Responsibilities: Complete training in the project’s air quality monitoring equipment, including placement, maintenance, and calibration, and the project’s reporting requirements. Collect air samples from 6 locations within Allegheny County. Maintain air sampling and monitoring equipment . Support preparation of semiannual reports on air quality findings. Assist community partners in conducting outreach and education activities to raise awareness about air quality issues. Work independently and as part of a team. Comply with all safety regulations. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or work experience related to environmental science, public health, chemistry, or other relevant field. Excellent data collection and analysis skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage several tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Valid driver's license. Benefits and Salary: This is a full-time, salaried position at $40,000 annually. Our benefits package includes: paid holidays and benefit days a medical insurance reimbursement, and a pension plan beginning after one year of employment Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel Opportunity to work on a meaningful project that makes a difference in the community Chance to work with a team of dedicated professionals Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to patrick@gasp-pgh.org on or before Sept. 15.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday announced enhancements to a program designed to advance indoor air quality protection and expand market accessibility. Known as Indoor AirPlus, the voluntary partnership and labeling program is designed to improve indoor air quality in homes.  Builders that participate in the program use construction practices designed to minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants in the home. Strategies include: mold and moisture control radon resistance pest management improved heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems combustion venting healthier building materials and homeowner education Labeled homes can help reduce the likelihood of common and serious health problems like infectious disease, heart disease, cancer, asthma, allergies, respiratory issues, headaches and more. This new version encourages broad industry participation, substantially advances indoor air quality protections, and strengthens third-party verification and quality assurance. Under this program update, builders may choose to build Indoor AirPlus Certified homes, or Indoor AirPlus Gold Certified homes. With no other certification prerequisites, the Indoor AirPlus Certified home is built with key strategies targeting improved indoor air quality.  The Indoor AirPlus Gold Certified home is designed to include more advanced protections for improved indoor air quality in conjunction with the energy efficiency benefits of ENERGY STAR certification. Wanna take a deeper dive into this particular program? Here are some helpful links: Indoor AirPlus Indoor AirPlus Version 2 Find an Indoor AirPlus builder or rater in your area Join the Indoor AirPlus program

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Saturday published notice of a new practice regarding the deadlines for sources to submit their initial applications for Title V Operating Permits, something that is required under the Clean Air Act for major sources of air pollution. It’s good news! According to DEP’s new practice, new Title V sources in Pennsylvania will, moving forward, be required to submit applications for their initial Title V Operating Permits within 12 months of beginning operations.   Note, however, that new Title V sources that are already operating will be required to submit their applications by Nov. 25 if they have not already done so. “DEP’s existing regulations provide that a Title V source must submit its initial application for an operating permit within 120 days of the department providing notice that the application is due, but do not proscribe what, if anything, triggers DEP’s obligation to provide such notice,” GASP senior attorney John Baillie explained.  He continued: “Accordingly, the new practice announced over the weekend should reduce the number of major sources across Pennsylvania that are operating under temporary authorizations according to the limits in their pre-construction permits.”   In our region, it appears that two sources may be affected by the new practice, including Hunter Panels in Fayette County and the Tri-County Landfill in Mercer County.   Additionally, two new major sources in our region have submitted applications for their initial Title V Operating Permits in the last several months, perhaps in anticipation of the announcement DEP’s new practice: Shell Chemical Appalachia in Beaver County and Hill Top Energy Center in Greene County How will major sources of air pollution in Allegheny County be impacted? They won’t. Here’s why: Sources in Allegheny County are regulated by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) rather than DEP and therefore are not affected by the new practice. ACHD’s rules and regulations for Title V Operating Permits, like DEP’s, do not specify what, if anything, triggers a new source’s obligation to file its initial application for a Title V Operating Permit.

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced today that its Air Quality Program is seeking applications for the funding of fleet electrification, tree canopy expansion, equipment electrification, and climate resiliency/adaptation projects with $5 million in total allocated for the initiatives. Data collected and analyzed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection shows that vehicle PM2.5 emissions contribute approximately 25 percent of all air pollution in Allegheny County. Projects for 2024 are aimed at reducing this pollution and building resiliency against the effects of climate change. This year, municipalities, Council of Governments, special districts, and others across the county - with preference given to environmental justice communities, especially those in the Mon Valley - are eligible to apply for fleet electrification projects.  The projects must replace diesel fueled vehicles with zero-emission equivalents, and/or acquire the necessary infrastructure to support a zero-emission fleet. The maximum award for an individual fleet electrification grant is $800,000. It is anticipated that multiple projects will be accepted.  Funding will also be used for projects that will obtain, plant, and maintain the tree population throughout Allegheny County. Proposed projects must prioritize areas with lower percentage of tree canopy. Applicants, which may include both municipalities and community organizations, must provide both an in-depth cost-benefit analysis of adding trees and a specific maintenance plan for sustaining the project for a minimum of five years. Projects must be located on public land, located near pollution sources or in pollution corridors, and utilize tree species that are drought tolerant and provide maximum pollution reduction.  Multiple projects are anticipated to be selected, each with a maximum award of $50,000.  Two new projects are being introduced this year: Electrification of Municipal Equipment and Climate Resiliency/Climate Adaptation.  The electrification of municipal equipment is open to municipal governments, Councils of Government, special districts and others. Funding is for replacement of diesel or gasoline fueled equipment such as lawn mowers and weed whackers. Projects must be between $10,000 to $75,000 each. Up to six grants will be awarded. The climate resiliency/climate adaptation projects are open to nonprofit organizations, local governments, Council of Governments, and academic institutions in Allegheny County. These grants are for designing and constructing/installing projects that both offset the effects of climate related impacts and to improve air quality. Priority will be given to environmental justice areas and municipalities in the Mon Valley. Up to two grants will be awarded, each at up to $1 million. Municipalities and community organizations interested in learning more about these two grant opportunities can find more information, as well as application materials on the Health Department's Clean Air Fund webpage. The Allegheny County's Clean Air Fund, in part, supports activities and projects that: Improve air quality by reducing, eliminating or preventing air pollution Broaden understanding of air quality effects through health studies Educate the public on issues concerning air pollution Provide special purpose ambient air monitoring Complete any other project consistent with the provisions of Article XXI and the mission of the Board of Health The funding will come from the Clean Air Fund, which is funded through penalties collected from air pollution emitters by the Air Quality Program's enforcement efforts. No tax dollars will be utilized to fund projects. Applications and all supporting materials are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 23. To learn more about the ACHD's air quality efforts, visit: alleghenycounty.us/airquality