GASP

06/03/2026

The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed a bill that would require the end of the Keystone state’s vehicle emission inspection program –one that GASP has written about extensively.

That begs the question: *Can* Pennsylvania end its vehicle inspection program?

“Not if the Clean Air Act is enforced as written,” GASP Senior Attorney John Baillie said.

Full deets in our blog. Link in bio.

06/03/2026

Last fall we blogged about a proposed rule from EPA that would walk back deadlines for phasing down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

For the uninitiated: HFCs are chemicals used largely as refrigerants that have greenhouse gas effects that are hundreds of times as potent as carbon dioxide.

The EPA on May 26 finalized that rule. It should surprise no one that the final rule mirrors the proposed rule. On the other hand, the history of these regulations is remarkable.

Here's why:

“The pendulum has swung back to where it was in 2020,” GASP Senior Attorney John Baillie said. “The history of the HFC regulations shows not only that it is important to follow the law, but also that what one president can do with the stroke of a pen, the next president can undo the same way."

06/03/2026

👀

05/28/2026

“This is tremendous news,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “GASP has long called on the health department to engage more quickly and more directly with residents during emergencies and bad-air events. We look forward to learning more and working with the county to make this tool as effective as possible.”

Acknowledging the long-standing community frustration over communication gaps during industrial accidents, she announced that the county is debuting a brand-new emergency alert platform called CodeRED.

05/28/2026

GASP was honored to join Allegheny County Clean Air Now (ACCAN) Wednesday for a reunion event celebrating a decade of cleaner air since the closure of the Shenango Coke Works on Neville Island.

It was a night of hugs, shared memories, and a profound sense of “we did it.” Looking around the room, it was impossible not to feel hopeful about the power of a community that refuses to stay silent.

For decades, residents in Avalon, Bellevue, Ben Avon, and Emsworth and Neville Island lived under the shadow of the Shenango plant. Foul odors were daily occurrences, and the Northgate School District once suffered through some of the highest asthma rates in the state.

In June 2014, local residents decided they had had enough and formed ACCAN. They became certified smoke readers, meticulously documenting fugitive emissions and stack violations. After GASP helped connect the group with CMU CREATE Lab, a Shenango camera was installed, providing a 24/7 feed that showed undeniable visual evidence of the plant’s impact.

While ACCAN provided the heart and the evidence, GASP was proud to provide the legal and technical muscle. We knew that for the community’s voice to be heard by regulators, it needed to be backed by the law.

GASP helped resident advocates navigate the complex world of air quality permits and enforcement. In 2014, GASP filed a Clean Air Act citizen suit against Shenango, arguing that the facility was repeatedly violating emissions standards.

This legal pressure—combined with ACCAN’s relentless community exposure—helped force the hand of the Allegheny County Health Department and the EPA.

When the plant finally shuttered in January 2016, it was a victory for the law as much as for the lungs.

🌈⭐️ watchdogs

05/28/2026

See yinz there?

Big changes are coming to Allegheny County, and your voice can help shape them.

Allegheny County is creating its first-ever Climate Action Plan, and this is your chance to weigh in on the future of our communities.

Join the Department of Sustainability for a free, family-friendly community open house on Thursday, June 4. Meet the team behind the plan, share your ideas, enjoy a light dinner, and learn how your feedback will help guide future county programs and investments.

Department of Human Services Building, 1 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Remarks begin at 6:00 pm

Free to attend. Open to everyone. Dinner included. Help shape the future of Allegheny County.
Register here: https://ow.ly/98BN50Z4TQU

05/27/2026

BREAKING: Allegheny County Health Department’s director at tonight’s event related to the fatal August 2025 Clairton Coke Works explosion announced that the county will launch Code Red - a system to alert the community in event of emergencies - starting July 1.

Dr. Iulia Vann said the system will allow the department to more quickly communicate important public health information to community members.

GASP wholeheartedly supports this move and will keep you posted as more details are unveiled.

05/27/2026

HAPPENING NOW:

05/27/2026

The Pennsylvania Senate earlier this month passed a bill that would require the end of the Keystone state’s vehicle emission inspection program...But can they REALLY do that?

GASP's senior attorney John explains:

The Pennsylvania Senate earlier this month passed a bill that would require the end of the Keystone state’s vehicle emission inspection program –one that GASP has written about extensively (here and here and here). That begs the question: Can Pennsylvania end its vehicle inspection program?

05/26/2026

Screaming CONGRATULATIONS to our longtime friend and fellow air quality advocate, Michelle 👏👏👏

Days after Pat Catena resigned from the council presidency following a controversial campaign mailer, members picked Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis to succeed him.