Blog Archive
Alabama’s Anti-Protest Bills Explained
Alabama lawmakers are still in denial about the need to protect this state from the climate crisis. After Hurricane Ida proved that climate change is making storms more destructive, and even though more than half of Alabama residents believe that global warming is...
Announcing the #GND4BHM High School Art Contest
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...
Why Commenting on Major Source Air Permits Matters — Miller Edition
From a high vantage point on any given day, Birmingham residents can see several plumes of vapor on the northwest horizon. Those fluffy, unnatural clouds emanate from the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the country — the Miller Steam Plant in Quinton, located...
Update on Bluestone Coke’s Legal Troubles
There has been a flurry of activity recently stemming from Bluestone Coke's numerous alleged violations of air pollution regulations. You may recall that in August the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) announced that it had filed a complaint in the Circuit...
To Beat Climate Change, Birmingham Needs a Green New Deal
I just returned home from Glasgow, Scotland, a couple of weeks ago. I was there to attend the United Nations’ 2021 Climate Change Conference of the Parties, better known as COP26. The message from environmentalists and climate scientists alike was clear: “We’ve been...
Alabama Power’s Miller Steam Plant Permit up for Renewal
Because this permit was posted during the holidays, we’re asking folks who live in the area to request an extension to ensure robust public participation.
GASP, SELC Challenge Bluestone Coke Air Pollution
A state circuit court has granted GASP and the Southern Environmental Law Center’s motion to intervene filed by the groups in order to stop ongoing air pollution violations at the Bluestone Coke plant in North Birmingham.
COVID-19 Spread Has a Direct Correlation to Pollution Levels
Particulate matter, or PM for short, is a type of pollutant made of both liquid droplets and solid particles (hence the name, particulate). PM is one of the most common and harmful pollutants found in the air, mostly due to its tiny size. Although PM can include...
Bluestone Coke Threatens the Wellbeing of Fenceline Communities
Bluestone Coke must be shut down unless and until it can comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
GASP Responds to Health Department Complaint Against Bluestone Coke
Download PDFFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media ContactsMichael Hansen, [email protected] GASP Responds to Health Department Complaint Against Bluestone Coke BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Today, the Jefferson County Department of Health filed a complaint against...
Information is Power: Why Sunshine Laws Matter
People say knowledge is power, which is true. However, a critical step is missing from this phrase: one must have information to acquire knowledge. Everyone who knows me well knows that I dig deep. Whether it’s researching what’s the best sunscreen or just getting to...
GASP Sues PSC for Approving Alabama Power Solar Charges
The PSC is more intent on protecting Alabama Power’s revenues than in helping customers lower their energy bills with solar power.
In Utero Exposure to Ultrafine Particles Connected to Childhood Asthma
New research by the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Medicine has found a connection between women who are exposed to tiny air pollutants during pregnancy and childhood asthma. This new study is the first time a correlation has been confirmed between the two, as...
Guest Post: We Can’t Plant Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis
According to scientists, large-scale tree planting would not suffice as a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Update on Alabama Power’s Discriminatory ‘Sun Tax’
This week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) declined to initiate an enforcement action against the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) over Alabama Power's unjust anti-solar fees. The decision not to act clears the way for a lawsuit against the PSC...
Why I Want to be a Climate Scientist
I want to be a climate scientist when I grow up because if all else fails, I want the future generations to at least know that I tried to protect their future.
AEYC Promotes Sustainability Through Volunteerism, Education
The Alabama Environmental Youth Council is a group of high school ambassadors promoting environmental sustainability through volunteerism and education.
Meet Rosalyn Mwenja, Direct Service Intern
Rosalyn is looking forward to to learning what goes into running a market that provides food and other necessities and advocating for a healthier future in Birmingham.
Sierra Club and GASP Petition EPA to Fight Dangerous Air Pollution at Plant Barry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media ContactsEmily Bosch, Sierra [email protected] Michael Hansen, [email protected] Sierra Club and GASP Petition EPA to Fight Dangerous Air Pollution at Plant Barry MOBILE, Ala. — Last Friday, Sierra Club and GASP filed a...
Meet Riley Yager, Spring 2021 Community Science Intern
GASP: What is your major at and why did you choose it? Riley Yager: I am currently working on my PhD in physics and I received a bachelors in civil engineering and a bachelors in physics in May 2020. I chose these degrees because I wanted to go into a field where I...