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| | Biggest News This Year? EPA Proposes New Air Rules for Oil and Gas Industry | For many months now, GASP has been calling attention to the potentially huge emissions from the Marcellus Shale industry. While burning natural gas produces less pollution than burning coal, combustion isn't the only factor to consider. In bringing the gas to market, there are many emissions sources--from the drill rigs, to the gas processing equipment, to the compressors that push it along.
Thankfully, the EPA is proposing to tighten emission limits for the oil and gas industry. This proposal would include the first federal air standards for hydrofractured wells, including, potentially, a reduction of 95% of VOC emissions from new or refractured wells. However, this proposal isn't the end of the affair--far from it. EPA should look harder at its aggregation policy, among other things. And we'll have the chance to say as much, at the public hearing on this proposal which will take place in or near Pittsburgh, one of only three to be held (date TBD).
Contact Jamin at GASP to learn more--email here, or call(412) 325-7382.
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More Marcellus Miscellania
| While the EPA looks at new regulations on a federal level there's a lot of activity in our own backyards:
- The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) would like a closer look too. They're proposing a notification system that would help them know when major air-pollution emitting activities will occur at Marcellus operations, allowing ACHD to better quantify emissions by knowing when to have inspectors available and on-site. This is a draft proposal, and will soon be ready for public comment. Stay tuned to learn more and how you can weigh in.
- PA State Rep. Jesse White is holding a public hearingon August 24 to solicit opinion on impact fees. Expect testimony from Kathryn Klaber of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, Andrew Heath of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition, and many others. Details here.
- The Marcellus Citizen Stewardship Project, cosponsored by GASP, has their next training in Harmony, PA on August 27. More info here.
- KDKA's radio show, "The Marcellus Shale and You," will be discussing the economic effects of shale drilling from 2 to 3 on Saturday, August 6 (tomorrow). Call in and let them know how you feel at 866-391-1020.
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| Final Side Street Stroll Visits East End | On August 13, from 1 to 5, GASP will be leading a casual hike to some lesser-known spots in Pittsburgh's East End, in our final hike of our partnership with Venture Outdoors. A relaxed pace, plenty of interesting stops, and a (free!) snack break should make this another great outing.
Previous hikes have led participants to ice cream, solar panels, coffee and cookies, green roofs, a hidden bed and breakfast, churches, and many more hidden gems. Please click here to visit the Venture Outdoors website for more info and to sign up.
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Stroller Brigades Coast to Coast and in Pittsburgh
| Children are much more vulnerable to toxins than adults. It's hard work for busy parents to shoulder the burden of researching every bouncy ball, tub scrub, or carpet company to find safe products for their families.
Join Women for a Healthy Environment (dads, caregivers, and grandparents are all welcome too) for a walk along the North Shore to draw attention to home and product safety. WHE will even have a device on-hand that can test for toxic metals in products you bring. Find out more details here.
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| Save the Date for "Have a Ball with GASP" on October 21, 2011 | Hold the evening of October 21 for GASP's fall event, to be held at the Carnegie Science Center's Highmark SportsWorks. We'll have the place to ourselves, so bring the whole family to try out all of the kid-friendly exhibits. Our speakers will focus on the effects of air pollution on the health of children and athletes. More info to come soon!
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