This year, we celebrate a pivotal moment in the history of environmental protection: the anniversary of the Clean Air Act. Signed into law on December 31,1970, this landmark legislation transformed the way our nation combats air pollution, prioritizing the health and well-being of all communities. For Birmingham, a city historically shaped by the steel industry, the Clean Air Act was nothing short of revolutionary. It set in motion a pathway to recovery from decades of unchecked industrial pollution that had choked our skies and endangered public health.

Following President Richard Nixon’s ‘Reorganization Plan No. 3’ issued in July 1970, EPA was officially established on December 2nd, 1970. The agency consolidates federal research, monitoring and enforcement activities in a single agency. EPA’s mission is to protect human health by safeguarding the air we breathe, water we drink and land on which we live.

The Clean Air Act Passing led to: 

• Enabling the EPA to be the official agency to implement the act’s requirements 
• The development of federal and state regulations to limit emissions from stationary and mobile sources 
• The creation of national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) 
• The creation of technology-based standards for controlling HAP emissions 
• A process for the EPA to review and update NESHAPs every eight years 

The Clean Air Act has led to significant environmental and public health benefits, including:

• A reduction in premature deaths
• A reduction in cases of chronic bronchitis
• A decrease in emissions of the six principal air pollutants

The Clean Air Act also galvanized grassroots advocacy in Birmingham, inspiring the formation of the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP) in the 1970s. GASP mobilized concerned citizens, leading efforts to hold polluters accountable, raise awareness, and champion cleaner air for future generations. Their pioneering work remains an essential part of Birmingham’s environmental justice story, reminding us of the power of collective action.

This year also marks an important milestone for our organization: 15 years of championing clean air and environmental justice. Founded to continue the legacy of advocacy sparked decades ago, our work remains deeply rooted in the principles of equity, sustainability, and community-driven change. We recognize that while progress has been made, the fight for clean air is far from over, particularly in frontline communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.

GASP 2009 Founders

Environmental justice remains at the heart of our mission. As we celebrate these anniversaries, we recommit to addressing the systemic inequities that leave marginalized communities bearing the brunt of environmental harm. Together, we can honor the progress sparked by the Clean Air Act and GASP while advancing a vision for a healthier, more just Birmingham.

Join us in celebrating these milestones and the work yet to be done. Your voice, your actions, and your commitment are vital to building a future where clean air is a right for everyone.

Here’s to 15 years of progress—and to the decades of action ahead!