Blog Archive
Petition: The EPA needs to Strengthen Soot Standards
Why The EPA Needs To Update Soot Pollution Standards
Soot, is a dangerous and deadly pollutant composed of metals, organic chemicals and acidic substances. It is produced by power plants vehicle tailpipes and other industrial sources as well as wildfire smoke. Soot threatens our health and our environment, posing particular risks for children, seniors and people with chronic illnesses.
The Tragedy of North Birmingham
Industrial plants in Birmingham, Alabama — including one now owned by WV Gov. Jim Justice’s family — have polluted the air and land in its historic Black communities for over a century.
Community Chronicles 1: Keisha Brown
“It’s like a third-world country,” she said. “I know we sound like a broken record, but no one’s doing anything. Politicians keep telling us to vote for them–vote for you for what? What am I voting for you for? To do nothing? We need people who are willing to work with the community’s needs.”
Racial Zoning In Birmingham Is Still Segregation
We need to recognize that these modern problems often have substantial historical roots in harmful and discriminatory official government policies from the past. Governmental action helped to ensure that the places we live in, the schools we go to, the health problems we have, and even the quality of the air we breathe are likely to depend in part on what race we are.
The Ghosts Over The Mountain
Imagine a moment of bliss. Euphorically tilting your head to the sky and basking in the sun for a moment you wish could last forever. The air around you is crisp and light but warm enough to embrace you like a sweatered hug. Where are you? Perhaps a hillside? Are you overlooking a city in the valley or far from the bustle of life in a hidden canopy untouched by man? Surprisingly Birmingham has these pockets that are just the right place to experience this moment of existential bliss but only in the “right” places.
GASP Seek ‘Fresh Voices for Clean Air’
GASP-Birmingham (that's us!) is seeking Jefferson County, Ala., students in grades 9, 10, and 11 interested in becoming environmental game-changers. If that sounds like you or someone you know, we invite you to apply today for an innovative new program called Fresh...
The Sun Is Crying
I am afraid to be outside for the first summer in my 25 years. A few weeks ago, I thought this was another season of excessive smiles, “positive vibes,” and the resurgence of cutoff shorts. That was before I realized the danger was beaming directly on nature lovers’ crowns.
Meet Anantha, Summer 2022 Green New Deal for Birmingham Intern
GASP: What is your major and why did you choose it? Where do you go to school? Anantha: I am in a dual degree program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham pursuing a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience and a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy...
SCOTUS Undermines Climate Action in the US
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Supreme Court of the United States today issued its decision in West Virginia vs. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), saying that without “clear congressional authorization” the agency is limited in its ability to regulate greenhouse gas...
Meet Charity, Summer 2022 Environmental Health Intern
“My dream job involves me working for a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental justice and protecting the environment,” – Charity J.
Harbison-Walker International – Fairfield
Background What and where is this facility? HarbisonWalker International, Inc.-Fairfield’s (“HWI”) is a refractory production plant located in Fairfield, Alabama. It will produce magnesite-carbon brick products for use in electric arc furnaces (used to make steel) and...
We’re Hiring: GASP Seeks Deputy Director
GASP is seeking to hire a full-time Deputy Director. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director is responsible for supporting the organization’s day-to-day operations, fundraising activities, and programmatic support. We’re looking for someone passionate...
Southern Company 2022 Shareholders Meeting: All Hat, No Cattle
Last week, I attended the annual meeting of Southern Company shareholders along with several colleagues from across the company's footprint in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. (Thanks to Southern Alliance for Clean Energy for allowing me to attend as a proxy for the...
Finding Your Role In The Movement
One of the greatest honors of my life was serving GASP and our mission. I will continue to do so in a different form. It is my hope that GASP and other organized efforts will continue to grow, evolve and recruit more young people within their ranks or inspire them to launch their own actions.
Winners Of The Green New Deal For Birmingham Art Contest Announced!
Art has been used for thousands of years to highlight social issues and move people to take action for positive change. As the climate crisis worsens, we need to use the power of art now more than ever to inspire people to save our planet and ensure future generations can thrive.
Stepping My Foot In The Door
“I was so excited to be granted the opportunity to be working with GASP and the Green New Deal for Birmingham. Working in environmental action is honestly my dream job and I am now getting my start as an intern,” Danielle Wormsby, Spring 2022 Green New Deal for Birmingham Intern.
EPA to ADEM Air Program: “Do Better”
“It is vital for state agencies to have robust monitoring plans in place to ensure that families are protected from toxic air pollutants,” says Christina Andreen Tidwell, SELC Senior Attorney. “We are very pleased that EPA recognized ADEM’s failure to respond to our comments.”
EPA Grants Petition, Denies Air Permit for Facility in Historic Africatown Community
MOBILE, Ala. (May 12, 2022) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is granting key parts of a petition filed by GASP objecting to an air permit issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to UOP, LLC in Mobile. The chemical manufacturing...
Getting Past Climate Paralysis To Climate Action
It’s hard to wrap your mind around the climate crisis. It’s at once an issue that affects everyone and an issue that does not tangibly affect most people’s daily lives. You can take individual actions, like driving less or using less plastic, but one person’s actions...
