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Michael Hansen
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Join GASP in Celebrating the Season at Our First Annual Community Christmas Extravaganza!
This holiday season, the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP) is thrilled to announce our first Annual Community Christmas Extravaganza, bringing holiday cheer and clean air awareness to the Birmingham community. This special event will uplift families and caregivers, particularly those from the North Birmingham Superfund site, who face the dual challenges of caregiving and environmental health risks.ity.
GASP and Partner Organizations Support EPA’s Strengthened Soot Pollution Standard, File Amicus Brief in U.S. Court of Appeals
Contact: Jilisa Milton, GASP, [email protected] Birmingham, AL — GASP, alongside several leading environmental justice organizations, has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in support of the U.S. The...
Bluestone Coke Faces Lawsuit for Environmental Infractions
Jilisa Milton, Co-Director of GASP, emphasized the importance of holding Bluestone Coke’s owners accountable, stating, “We must ensure that the health and safety of Birmingham families take precedence over profit-driven interests.”
Dr. Shauntice Allen, Distinguished GASP Board Director and Community Champion, Passes Away
Birmingham, Ala. — With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of GASP Board Director Dr. Shauntice Allen, a beloved member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) community and a prominent advocate for community service. Dr. Allen, an assistant professor in...
Executive Director Michael Hansen to step down at the end of August
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP is announcing the departure of Executive Director Michael Hansen, who is moving on to pursue new opportunities after 10 years of employment with the clean air nonprofit. Hansen has been the Executive Director of the organization since October...
Bluestone Coke Violates Clean Water Act, Polluting Five Mile Creek
Black Warrior Riverkeeper, GASP, and SELC notify the company to clean up violations in 60 days or face another lawsuit.
Community Climate Assembly to Address Equitable Investments in Birmingham’s Future
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP is hosting a Community Climate Assembly on Equitable Investments on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Harvest Roots Kombucha Taproom in Avondale. The event will bring together community members, stakeholders, and experts to explore strategies to...
Community Climate Assembly Slated to Address Transit Justice in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 15, 2023) — On Thursday, May 18, 2023, GASP will hold its fifth Community Climate Assembly as part of the Green New Deal for Birmingham (GND4BHM) campaign. The event focusing on transit justice will be held at Harvest Roots Ferments Taproom from...
Proposed New Soot Standards Will Save Lives, But Don’t Go Far Enough
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a proposal to strengthen the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, from 12 micrograms per cubic meter (µ/m3) to a range of 9–10 µ/m3. The...
GASP, SELC secure nearly $1 million penalty against Bluestone Coke plant
Groups and Jefferson County Board of Health file consent decree to stop north Birmingham air pollution BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In an unprecedented step to improve air quality for Birmingham residents, GASP, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and the Jefferson County...
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...
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...
Shopping You Can Breathe Easier About
In celebration of Earth Day, The Kindness Cause announced its first charitable partnership and limited-edition Cause Collection with GASP. The philanthropic e-commerce site is committed to creating an easy and transparent way to both discover and support important causes through shopping when life is too busy to volunteer.
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.
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...
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.
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...
Customers, GASP Challenge Alabama Power’s Discriminatory Solar Charges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media ContactsEmily Driscoll, Southern Environmental Law [email protected] Michael Hansen, [email protected] Customers, GASP Challenge Alabama Power’s Discriminatory Solar Charges WASHINGTON, DC — A...
New Policy Platform Puts a Southern Spin on the Green New Deal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media ContactCarina Daniels, Story & [email protected] New Policy Platform Puts a Southern Spin on the Green New Deal FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In the wake of the fatal winter storm that left millions in the South...
GASP, SELC Reach Settlement Agreement with Drummond and Regulators to Address ABC Coke Pollution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media ContactsEmily Driscoll, Southern Environmental Law [email protected] Michael Hansen, [email protected] GASP, SELC Reach Settlement Agreement with Drummond and Regulators to Address ABC Coke Pollution...
GASP, Energy Alabama Appeal Alabama PSC’s Approval of $1+ Billion Gas Expansion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media ContactsEmily Driscoll, Southern Environmental Law [email protected] Daniel Tait, Energy [email protected] Michael Hansen, [email protected] GASP, Energy Alabama Appeal Alabama PSC’s...
PSC Sides with Alabama Power, Increases Solar Charge
Today the Public Service Commission dismissed our challenge of Alabama Power’s discriminatory solar charge and, unbelievably, approved an increase.
Public Service Commission Approves Alabama Power’s $1+ Billion Gas Expansion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media ContactsEmily Driscoll, Southern Environmental Law [email protected] Michael Hansen, [email protected] Public Service Commission Approves Alabama Power’s $1+ Billion Gas Expansion MONTGOMERY, Ala....
GASP, Environmental Defense Alliance Allege Alabama Officials Violated Open Records Act
Lawsuit says ADEM Director Lance LeFleur, Commissioner Lanier Brown, and Attorney General Steve Marshall violated the Alabama Open Records Act.
Alabama PSC’s Unconstitutional Media Policy Must Be Changed
Alabamians have the right to know what is going on at their Public Service Commission.
Alabama Power, Alabama PSC Should Protect Consumers During COVID-19
Contact:Daniel Tait, Energy Alabama, [email protected], 256-812-1431Michael Hansen, Gasp, [email protected], 205-746-4666 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (March 15, 2020) — Gasp and Energy Alabama are calling on Alabama Power to immediately suspend shutoffs and late fees through...
Experts Expose Flaws in Alabama Power’s Billion Dollar Request
This proposal simply doesn’t reflect the world we’re living in and won’t get us to a lower carbon future we urgently need to reach.
Legal Petition: TVA Violating Customers’ Rights by Giving Millions to Dirty Energy Lobbyists
Contact: Howard Crystal, (202) 809-6926, [email protected] WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Center for Biological Diversity and other organizations petitioned the Tennessee Valley Authority today to stop giving millions of dollars in ratepayer money to...
Alabama Groups File Motion to Intervene in ABC Coke Consent Decree
The groups filed a motion to intervene in ongoing efforts to approve a proposed settlement to address ABC Coke’s illegal emissions of benzene and the impacts on communities around northeast Birmingham and Tarrant, Ala.
Flawed Consent Decree Fails Local Communities Impacted by ABC Coke’s Illegal Pollution
Conservation groups are charging that a proposed consent decree is woefully inadequate in addressing the impacts of ABC Coke’s excessive and illegal levels of toxic pollution on local communities around northeast Birmingham and Tarrant, Ala.
Groups Sue Trump’s EPA for Coke Oven Cancer Pollution
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 15, 2019) — Today Earthjustice on behalf of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, GASP, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and Sierra Club, sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for improperly regulating coke ovens – producers of known...
Lawsuit Challenges TVA’s Attack on Solar Energy in the South
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts Howard Crystal, Center for Biological Diversity, (202) 809-6926, [email protected] Daniel Tait, Energy Alabama, (256) 812-1431, [email protected] Erin Jensen, Friends of the Earth, (202) 222-0722, [email protected]...
GASP, Conservation Groups Demand Lance LeFleur’s Resignation or Termination
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 30, 2018) — The bribery and corruption trial U.S. v. Gilbert, et al yielded many disturbing revelations, including the failures of leaders at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Alabama Environmental Management...
Advocates Reject the Trump Administration’s Rollback of Clean Car Standards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BIRMINGHAM ELECTED OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND STUDENT ADVOCATES REJECT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ROLLBACK OF CLEAN CAR STANDARDS Leaders Urged Administration to Respect State Authority to Protect Residents from Dangerous Tailpipe...
Official Statement: Convictions a First Step in Securing Justice for North Birmingham
OFFICIAL STATEMENT Corruption Convictions First Step in Securing Justice for North Birmingham BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 23, 2018) — On Friday, July 20, a jury found Balch & Bingham Attorney Joel Gilbert and Drummond Company Vice President David Roberson guilty of six...
GASP Announces New Solar Discount Partnership with Eagle Solar & Light
Gasp Announces New Solar Discount Partnership with Eagle Solar & Light In an effort to expand access to clean, renewable energy in Alabama, GASP today announced a new partnership with Eagle Solar & Light. Under the agreement, the solar energy company will...
Mayor Randall Woodfin Pledges to Transition Birmingham to 100% Sustainable Energy
Mayor Randall Woodfin Pledges to Transition Birmingham to 100% Sustainable Energy BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 7, 2018) — Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin became the first mayor of an Alabama city to sign Gasp’s “Mayors for 100% Sustainable Energy Pledge” (signed document...
Citizens, Conservation Groups Challenge Alabama Power’s Discriminatory Charges Targeting Rooftop Solar Customers
Citizens, Conservation Groups Challenge Alabama Power’s Discriminatory Charges Targeting Rooftop Solar Customers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Emily Driscoll, Southern Environmental Law Center, [email protected], 678-686-848 Michael Hansen,...
Report Finds Rapidly Growing “Green” Energy Industry Releases Dangerous Air Pollution in AL
Report Finds Rapidly Growing “Green” Energy Industry Releases Dangerous Air Pollution in Alabama FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Half of Wood Pellet Plants in U.S. Violate Pollution Limits or Fail to Install Required Emissions Control Equipment Media Contact: Tom...
‘It’s Time for Pruitt to Resign, or Be Removed’
Forty national civil rights, labor, conservation and environmental organizations representing millions of members and supporters across the United States have taken out a series of full page ads Wednesday calling for the resignation or firing of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.
GASP Calls on Sessions to Recuse Himself
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GASP Calls on Jeff Sessions to Recuse Himself from North Birmingham Corruption Investigation BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sept. 6, 2017) — GASP, a Birmingham-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the reduction of air pollution through education and...
Gasp Responds to Corruption and Bribery Charges Related to North Birmingham
The following is a statement from Gasp Executive Director Michael Hansen regarding corruption & bribery charges related to North Birmingham: I was stunned to learn the extent of the conspiracy involving former-Rep. Oliver Robinson, Balch & Bingham, and...
President Trump’s Decision to Withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement
Below is a statement from Gasp Executive Director Michael Hansen on President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement: "Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement jeopardizes our role in the world as leaders on climate action. Global problems...
BREAKING NEWS: Alabama Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Gasp
The Alabama Supreme Court today denied a petition from ABC Coke (a division of Drummond Company) and the Jefferson County Board of Health for writ of certiorari in ABC Coke and Jefferson County Board of Health v. GASP, Inc. In other words, the Alabama Supreme Court...
On April 4, Whole Foods Market Birmingham to Donate 5% of Sales to Gasp
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Whole Foods Market in Mountain Brook is hosting a Community Giving Day — also known as 5% Day — benefiting Gasp on Tuesday, April 4. All day, 5% of net sales will be donated to support our mission for clean air, healthy communities and...
Using Comedy to Lift Spirits, Raise Awareness
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gasp is teaming up with the Alabama Rivers Alliance to host a unique event Sunday, March 26 at Cahaba Brewing Company. "A Viscous Cycle: Thick Comedy" seeks to lift spirits and connect supporters of the two organizations. Gwen Sunkel and Carson...
Gasp Launches New Online Air Quality Tool
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Gasp Launches New Online Air Quality Tool BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Jan. 5, 2017) — In an effort to reduce exposure to the harmful health effects of air pollution, Gasp this week announced that it has released a new online tool for users to get the...
19 copies of ‘Toxic City’ DVD donated to the Birmingham Public Library
For Immediate Release 19 copies of 'Toxic City' DVD donated to the Birmingham Public Library BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- Gasp, a Birmingham-based health advocacy nonprofit, has given the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) 19 DVD copies of “Toxic City: Birmingham’s Dirty Secret,”...
Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Sides with Gasp
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Rules in Gasp's Favor BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals today affirmed a prior court ruling that Gasp is entitled to a hearing before the Jefferson County Board of Health (BOH) on the reissuance...
Gasp Applauds Senators for Introducing RECLAIM Act
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gasp applauds U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Sherrod Brown, and Bob Casey who today announced that they are introducing the RECLAIM Act. The bill would release $1 billion over five years to help coal states like...
Scott Pruitt is an Offensive Choice for the EPA
Yesterday, multiple news outlets reported that President-Elect Donald Trump has selected Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Below is Gasp Executive Director Michael Hansen's statement in response to this pick: By...
State of the Air Report Shows Citizen Advocacy and Common-Sense Policies Work
The American Lung Association released its annual “State of the Air” report today and it showed that Birmingham has made significant improvements in air quality over recent years. The Birmingham metro area ranked 53rd most polluted for ozone, 22nd most polluted for...
Utility Charges Hamper Alabama’s Nascent Clean Energy Economy
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A new white paper released today by health advocacy organization Gasp examines the detrimental impact of charges imposed on residential utility customers who install solar power on their own homes. The report — “An Analysis of Utility Network Use...
Circuit Court Reverses Board of Health Decision Denying Request for Hearing
Today, the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Ala., reversed a decision by the Jefferson County Board of Health denying Gasp’s Request for Hearing on the reissuance of ABC Coke’s operating permit. Finding that Gasp adequately followed Board of Health rules, Judge...
New Ozone Standards Will Protect Children, Elderly
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released a long-awaited new air quality health standard for ground-level ozone, or smog. This announcement is welcome news for thousands of Alabamians young and old who want to live a healthy life. The EPA set the new...
EPA to Investigate Potential Threats to Public Health, Environment in Tarrant
EPA to Investigate Potential Threats to Public Health, Environment in Tarrant TARRANT, Ala. — On July 1, 2014, GASP filed a petition with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to look into potential releases of hazardous substances from the ABC Coke plant in...
EPA to Investigate Alleged Civil Rights Violations from Air Pollution
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Aug. 28, 2015) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Civil Rights has accepted a complaint by GASP against the Jefferson County (Ala.) Department of Health for alleged civil rights violations from air pollution. GASP, a clean air...
A Strong Clean Power Plan Will Reduce Carbon Pollution, Protect Health
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released its long-awaited Clean Power Plan, a set of rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. Overall, the plan seeks to bring carbon pollution down 32 percent...
BREAKING: Board of Health Denies GASP’s Request for a Hearing on Walter Coke Air Permit
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — July 8, 2015 — The Jefferson County Board of Health, the governing body of the Department of Health (JCDH), voted tonight to dismiss a request by GASP for a hearing on the issuance of a key air pollution permit for the Walter Coke facility in...
GASP Wins Hermes Creative Award for ‘Toxic City: Birmingham’s Dirty Secret’
Updated on Tuesday, May 5 to include link to film. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP is proud to announce that “Toxic City: Birmingham’s Dirty Secret” won a Gold Hermes Creative Award in the documentary category. The award is given by the Association of Marketing and...
Board of Health Dismisses GASP’s Request for Hearing on ABC Coke Permit
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2011 named ABC Coke — one of Alabama’s worst toxic air polluters — a potentially responsible party for contamination in northern Birmingham. ABC Coke’s Title V Operating Permit was up for renewal last year, and GASP...
Civil Rights Complaint Alleges Environmental Discrimination by Health Department
GASP petitions EPA to investigate environmental discrimination in northern Birmingham neighborhoods suffering from toxic air pollution BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (March 3, 2015) — GASP today announced that it has filed a second civil rights complaint against the...
Left in the Dark: Report Shines Light on Lack Of Transparency at Alabama PSC
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Feb. 26, 2015) — A study published today by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis shows the Alabama Public Service Commission conducting much of its most important oversight of Alabama Power in private. The report, by David...
GASP launches Solar Works to promote Alabama’s solar potential
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 16, 2014) — GASP launched Solar Works today, a campaign designed to educate and raise awareness about the benefits of solar energy in Alabama. The Solar Works website explains Alabama's solar power capacity, jobs potential, incentive programs...
EPA Grants GASP Petition to Investigate in Tarrant
EPA Grants GASP Petition to Investigate in Tarrant The federal agency announced that is has granted a July request by GASP to conduct a preliminary assessment in the Birmingham suburb TARRANT, Ala. (Oct. 9, 2014) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has...
‘Toxic City’ to be Released on DVD September 16
The short film, produced by GASP, will be released on DVD next Tuesday with bonus features including a screening kit guide, exclusive online access to the film BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP announced today that "Toxic City: Birmingham's Dirty Secret" will be available...
Alabama Power to Close Coal Units
Last Friday, Alabama Power announced that it is closing two small coal units at Plant Gorgas (the oldest units at the plant), as well as reducing or eliminating coal from four others at Plant Barry and Plant Greene County. The company said the move is to comply with...
GASP Commends Proposed EPA Rule to Reduce Carbon Emissions by 2030
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP commends the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and President Barack Obama for putting forth a draft of a new rule to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants. The EPA estimates the reduction in carbon emissions will prevent up to...
New Film Calls Attention to Pollution, Injustice
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — “If there’s anything this documentary can do, I hope it will be to save our children, our next generation. Those are the final words in “Toxic City: Birmingham’s Dirty Secret,” a heartbreaking 26-minute documentary about families fighting for their...
Public Hearing Scheduled for Walter Coke Air Pollution Permit
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) is holding a public hearing regarding Walter Coke's Title V Operating Permit. The hearing is May 20 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Birmingham branch of the Birmingham Public Library (2501 31st Ave...
New Campaign Uses Storytelling to Promote Clean Air
New Campaign Uses Storytelling to Promote Clean Air BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gasp and the American Lung Association (ALA) in Alabama today announced a new campaign, Voices for Clean Air, to bring awareness to the health effects of breathing polluted air. The project will...
GASP Releases 175-Page Comment on ABC Coke Permit
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — GASP, a nonprofit health advocacy organization working for clean air in Alabama, has released a 175-page comment on the Title V operating permit draft for ABC Coke, which is currently up for renewal with the Jefferson County Department of Health...
