As part of its commitment to protect everyone’s right to a healthy environment, Clean Air Council helps residents track the pollution permits that industrial facilities apply for across Pennsylvania. To make it even easier for the public to understand what kinds of pollution are affecting their neighborhoods, the Council created a brand new tool. The Pollution Tracker is based on years of Clean Air Council’s work monitoring and analyzing the applications submitted by businesses to permit them to release pollutants into the air and water. By exploring this tool, residents can look up major facilities in Southeast Pennsylvania, discover permits companies have applied for, where sites have violated those permits, and what action the Council has taken to inform surrounding communities. 

The site, built by Philly-based designer Dain Saint, currently hosts data for many facilities throughout Southwest Philadelphia and Delaware County. It’s simple to use: explore the map and click on the blue or red dots to open detailed entries. If you know the name or address of a facility, you can also search for it directly. For each site, you’ll first find a listing of its name, address, and a brief description or label.

Within each entry, depending on the site, you may also discover information about the facility from the offices of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You’ll also learn whether the site has paid any federal penalties in the last five years or if it has a history of previous “Action Alerts” that Clean Air Council has released in response to permit applications at these facilities. Each entry also lists known information about any environmental permits filed in compliance with the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act. If information about those is available, you’ll find a color-coded card listing its status, including any known violations.

If the dot representing the facility on the map is red, that means the site has recently violated its environmental permits – you can learn more by opening its entry. If a site is represented by a blue dot, the site may have no recent violations. Crucially, however, that does not mean that the facility isn’t harming the region or the planet – it simply means that local authorities are not aware that it has released more pollutants or waste than it has previously agreed to release. Many of these sites are legally permitted to release harmful substances like greenhouse gases (which bake our planet), particulate matter (which can contribute to respiratory illness), or carcinogens. Still others are not required to have monitoring or tracking equipment for these purposes, which only means we do not know whether they are releasing pollutants at all. Given that Southeastern Pennsylvania regularly fails national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and the region has an unusually high rate of respiratory problems like childhood asthma, it’s critical that efforts be made to comprehend the impacts of the region’s dense industrial development. 

The goal of the Pollution Tracker is to help residents remain informed about the many industrial facilities in our region and partake in the public engagement processes surrounding their siting, development, and permitting. Clean Air Council regularly helps residents participate in these processes so that we can all protect public health in Southeastern Pennsylvania and reduce the emissions causing the climate crisis. 

The Pollution Tracker will be updated regularly as the Council continues this work. If you’re interested in learning more about the Tracker, have questions about its contents, or want to get involved, contact Clean Air Council Advocate Russell Zerbo at rzerbo@cleanair.org.

Philadelphia and Delaware County are uniquely vulnerable to impacts of climate change, even compared to the rest of Pennsylvania. Residents in communities along the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers face extreme heat and flooding risks compounded by the large amounts of polluting industrial facilities in densely populated riverfront areas. 

Clean Air Council’s three-year Climate Resilient Communities project brought together residents in South and Southwest Philadelphia as well as Chester, Trainer, and Marcus Hook in Delaware County to address the combined risk of climate change and pollution. The Council’s forthcoming Climate Resilient Communities report, developed by landscape architects at Olin Design Studio, provides key findings and recommendations to address the risks and build climate resiliency. 

One of the key findings of the study is that riverfront industrial infrastructure can cause dangerous public health conditions, like increased air and water pollution, during extreme heat and precipitation events. Recommended resiliency strategies include strengthening connections between local leaders, neighbors, and community groups and the expansion of storm shelters, cooling centers and air conditioned recreational space. 

Over the course of three years, Clean Air Council and community partners surveyed residents and hosted regular meetings in each focus neighborhood. Residents reviewed local climate models, identified locations most impacted by heat and flooding, and provided extensive feedback on resilience strategies that would have the greatest impact in their communities. 

Council staff then worked with residents and partners in each neighborhood to develop green infrastructure projects to mitigate heat and flooding impacts and support climate resiliency. Ideas for projects included transforming vacant lots into community gardens, adding native trees and pollinator plants to local parks, and transforming existing parks into naturescapes for families and children to enjoy. Based on residents’ feedback, four climate resilient communities projects were implemented.

In Delaware County, the Council worked with the City of Chester, Legacy Arts Chester and Bonnie’s Community & Development Corp to make significant improvements to Sun Village Park, including a storybook walk and native pollinator garden, new picnic tables and benches, and vibrant mural and art installations around the park’s pavilion and tennis courts. The Council also worked with Trainer Borough, Marcus Hook Area Neighbors for Public Health, and the NMS Watersheds Alliance to install a storybook walk, native pollinator garden, native flowering trees, mural arts, and a free little library at Wilcox Park next to Monroe Refinery in Trainer. These revitalized park spaces in Delaware County provide residents with shaded spaces to connect with nature, art, literacy, and other neighbors. Respite and community gathering spaces help to build social connection and cohesion, which are vital to a community’s climate resiliency plan. 

In South Philadelphia, the Council worked with the Church of the Redeemer Baptist’s Growing Together Community Garden to expand the existing native pollinator garden and create a gathering space for gardeners of the site’s over 200 plots. This included the installation of new picnic tables with shade umbrellas as well as several park benches. The creation of a community gathering space in the garden will support residents to further develop this local greenspace, which helps to cool the neighborhood and build community cohesion. 

In addition to the pollinator garden and seating areas, Council staff worked with Philly Thrive’s Mutual Aid circle and the Tasker-Morris Neighborhood Association to create a climate guide of the Grays Ferry neighborhood that shows pollution sources as well neighborhood resources. The guide is featured in a custom made climate information station in the garden, which features a planter box as well as a space to distribute community flyers and pamphlets. 

In Southwest Philadelphia’s Eastwick neighborhood, Council staff worked with Eastwick United, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors, and the Eastwick Recreation Center to place three additional climate information stations around Eastwick. These climate hubs (which are also public planters) inform residents about neighborhood meetings on local flood risks, illegal dumping, and other environmental health and climate issues. Council staff also worked with these organizations on a detailed climate guide of Eastwick that includes nearby environmental hazards as well as many local assets.

Clean Air Council will continue sharing the key findings and recommendations of the Climate Resilient Communities report with local decision makers, and will continue to work with local leaders to expand access to safe public amenities like parks and greenspaces while encouraging responsible development along local riverfronts. For more information please contact Advocate Russell Zerbo at rzerbo@cleanair.org, Philadelphia Organizer Jendaiya Hill at jhill@cleanair.org, or Delco Outreach Coordinator Alyssa Felix-Arreola at afa@cleanair.org 

This Climate Resilient Communities project was made possible through a grant from the William Penn Foundation. 

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 26, 2025) –  Clean Air Council, Environmental Integrity Project, and Food & Water Watch are celebrating two significant victories after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) largely granted the Council’s petitions to object to flaws in the air pollution permits (called Title V operating permits) that the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) issued to U.S. Steel’s Irvin facility and the Neville Chemical facility in 2024.

Thanks to these decisions, ACHD will need to amend both of these permits, likely resulting in stronger permit conditions that will improve air quality by ensuring the facilities comply with limits to the amount of pollution they are allowed to emit into our air. This is a critical victory for the residents and workers of Allegheny County, who will experience better air quality protections because of these changes.

“Clean Air Council is pleased to see the EPA recognizing that the initial permits would not effectively keep polluters in line and acting decisively to ensure that permitting agencies issue effective permits,” said Lawrence Hafetz, Legal Director for Clean Air Council. “We’re also thrilled to see that acting as a watchdog for the Commonwealth continues to be an effective strategy for ensuring the Clean Air Act is enforced at the federal and state levels. Without this work, our communities would further suffer for the profits of major polluters.”  

“EIP is encouraged that EPA continues to recognize that inadequate monitoring to assure compliance with emission limits must be revised by permitting agencies,” said Haley Lewis, an Attorney with EIP. “EIP will continue to advocate that the Allegheny County Health Department follow EPA’s direction in improving the Title V permits for U.S. Steel Irvin Works and Neville Chemical.”

“We are heartened to see that diligent efforts to protect the public from health-threatening air pollution have paid off with common-sense decisions from EPA that should result in stronger permits for these facilities,” said Erin Doran, senior staff attorney at Food & Water Watch. “We will continue to monitor these permits and pursue legal avenues to ensure clean air and a livable future for neighboring communities and many others throughout Pennsylvania and the country.”

Under the Clean Air Act, Title V operating permits must contain conditions (like emissions testing and monitoring) that can ensure a facility will comply with its permitted emissions limits. Clean Air Council, Food and Water Watch, and the Environmental Integrity Project provided comments on the proposed permits for these facilities in 2024, but found that the final permits were insufficient to ensure the facilities complied with the stated emissions limits. Clean Air Council then filed petitions on September 20, 2024 for Neville Chemical and on November 15, 2024 for U.S. Steel’s Irvin facility, asking EPA to object to each Operating Permit.

In both responsive orders, the EPA found that the permits’ compliance assurance requirements were insufficient for several pollutants from multiple sources. EPA therefore ordered ACHD to issue amended permits that either include more stringent emission testing and monitoring requirements or amend the permit record to explain how the existing requirements could suffice. For some pollutants, the EPA also indicated a preference for requiring the continuous emission monitoring systems that the groups have proposed.

Significantly, the groups were successful in having the EPA direct the ACHD to recalculate some emission limits using site-specific emission data as opposed to generic emission data. They advocated for this change because generic emission data is sometimes of poor quality and never as accurate as site-specific data. While at times ACHD has chosen to use site-specific data, too often it has defaulted to using generic data even when more accurate data was available. This represents another victory for the people of Pennsylvania and the surrounding region because it ensures their rights to clean air are being protected.

Clean Air Council is thrilled to once again be partnering with Indego for Cycle September, a month-long challenge to promote cycling in Philadelphia and beyond. If you’re not already a bike rider, there are plenty of reasons to get involved, and signing up is free and easy. Here are just a few reasons you should join the challenge!

1. You Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The best benefit to riding a bicycle instead of driving a gas-burning vehicle is that it saves greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. These gases are the ones baking our planet, making it hotter and more difficult to live on. Using your own body to power your transportation may sound like a small contribution. But transportation accounts for the largest portion of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s crucial that we take steps to address this impact as a community.

2. Every Little Trip Counts

Consider taking a bike to work, to school, to meet up with friends, to run errands, or just for fun! If you’re used to driving a car everywhere, you may be surprised how many of your trips could be completed on a bike. In 2022, the Department of Energy reported that 52% of car trips are for distances under 3 miles and 28% of total trips are to destinations under a mile away. You don’t have to go very far to make a difference! 

3. Alleviate a Little SEPTA Mayhem

Did you know that before its funding was cut SEPTA kept 675,000 cars off the road? Thanks to recent punctures to the public transit system, car traffic (and the pollution it brings) is bound to increase in our region. Plus, reports show the cuts to SEPTA’s services have resulted in crowded buses, skipped stops, and long wait times. By biking, you’ll not only help lower local emissions, but you’ll also help alleviate some of the pressure on Philly’s “new normal” as riders adjust to fewer SEPTA routes and services. If you’ve previously considered hopping on a bike instead of the bus, now might be a good time to try it out.

4. Earn Exciting Prizes

For Cycle September, Clean Air Council and Indego encourage Philadelphians to take at least 5 one-way trips on two wheels. Once you’re registered for the challenge, you simply need to log your bike rides and you’ll be automatically entered into drawings for exciting prizes. Not ready to commit? Even if you take just one trip, you’ll be eligible for a swag bag giveaway from Go Philly Go! 

5. You Don’t Even Need a Bike! 

Don’t own a bike? Don’t worry, you can still participate in Cycle September. Indego, Philadelphia’s bike-share system, has over 250 stations throughout the city where you can rent a manual or electric bike and ride to popular events and places. If you’re taking part in the challenge, you can enjoy a discount on your first month with code INDECYCLE25. 

6. Recreational Rides Count, Too

Can’t commute by bike? Work from home? Luckily, recreational rides count toward Cycle September! If you’re in need of inspiration, you can use GoPhillyGo to find accessible biking trails and exciting places to experience in Philadelphia. The mobile-friendly site has plenty of destination ideas and biking routes. Our favorite trips include:

• Take a ride along the river on the Schuylkill River Trail and stop by Fairmount Waterworks to view the falls. Take a break at the Cosmic Café and Ciderhouse or continue riding up scenic Kelly Drive. 
• Parks on Tap is in full swing, bringing drinks and food to a different park location every weekend during September. It’s a great way to visit greenspaces throughout the city. 
• Want to go a bit further out into nature? Take a ride on the Wissahickon Valley Park Trail. 

By changing how you get around, you can lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality. Join Clean Air Council’s Cycle September challenge by biking instead of driving a car and you’ll be joining cyclists all over the city that are making Philadelphia more sustainable each day. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 16, 2025) Today, local officials and health and environmental groups joined in Love Park to express their “love” for EPA and how its protections for Pennsylvanians must be saved. The EPA’s core mission is to protect the American people and their communities from dangerous and deadly pollution – instead, through rolling back and attacking pollution protections, Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are putting polluters over people, and putting Pennsylvanians at more risk. Speakers addressed the importance of a strong EPA for healthy kids, clean air, safe drinking water, and a more stable climate. They also rallied Congress to protect Americans from dangerous pollution by ensuring we have scientists and public health experts working at a strong EPA and by providing appropriate funding for EPA’s critical work to protect our health and environment. 

“When the EPA was first envisioned, the air in many of our cities and industrial hubs here in Pennsylvania was thick with dangerous and often deadly particles, a smog emitted by corporations that reaped astronomical profits as they poisoned our neighbors and toxified our lands,” said Senator Nikil Saval, Pennsylvania’s First Senatorial District. “The dedicated workers at the EPA—the scientists and public health experts whose labor has saved millions of lives and trillions of dollars since the EPA was created—changed this. These workers hold the line against powerful corporations that prioritize the wealth of their CEOs over our lives. They stand on behalf of people and planet, and we stand on behalf of them.”

“Simply put: weakening the EPA will make Philadelphia’s air, water, and soil dirtier, and everyday Philadelphians will foot the bill,” said Liz Lankenau, Director of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability. “We need to let our representatives hear, loud and clear, that we do not support the weakening of these vital supports and protections.”

“For decades, the EPA has been a critical line of defense against pollution, leveraging the expertise of scientists and public health experts to protect human health and the environment for all Americans,” said Alice Lu, Clean Air Council Policy Analyst. “Unfortunately, we have watched over the last few months as the current administration continues to indiscriminately gut the agency, coming after programs and standards that would both directly and indirectly benefit Pennsylvania residents.” 

“Prevention is cheaper than treatment, and it’s more successful, which means we need research and regulation from the EPA,” said Linnea Bond, Director of Education for Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania. “When we have seen pollution, contamination, and extreme weather wreak havoc on communities, the EPA coordinates a response to protect communities from further harm. In a world where industrial interests often trump those of the public, investing in the EPA protects our health and saves us money — both the medical systems we depend on and as individuals facing rising costs. Now more than ever, we need a robust EPA.”

“PennFuture calls for an adequately funded EPA that will ensure our communities are protected and have the opportunity to thrive,” said Annie Regan, Campaigns Director at PennFuture. “Recent polling shows that there is overwhelming public support for the EPA across all demographics as Pennsylvanians have seen what happens to their communities when industry is not regulated. The focus on making profits for fossil fuel power plants is taking priority over people’s health, their savings, and protecting the natural environment. Better air quality not only protects our health, but it means fewer missed work days, fewer trips to the doctor, and higher earnings for Pennsylvanian workers.”

PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 13, 2025) –  This week, Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposals to repeal two rules that protect Americans’ health and future prosperity: the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) which protect American families from being sickened by mercury, arsenic, and other poisonous heavy metals, and the 111 Power Plant rule that limits climate pollution from power plants.

The MATS, adopted in 2012, reduced the amount of toxic air pollution that coal- and oil-fired power plants may emit. These standards have successfully reduced by 85% heavy metal emissions, including mercury, which is a neurotoxin that can cause life-long brain injuries to infants and children. Power plants now expose communities to less arsenic and other heavy metals — pollutants linked to cancer, birth defects, and cardiovascular disease. The MATS are designed to be updated every 8 years to keep up with technological advances, and coal-fired power plants are still the largest American source of toxic metal pollution. Some of these airborne microscopic metal particles are inhaled, and may be small enough to travel through a person’s lungs into their bloodstream. Much of this pollution falls from the air onto homes and soil, or contaminates water bodies. Responding to the public need and technological advancement, EPA strengthened the MATS emission limits in 2024. Now Trump’s EPA is gutting those protections in an apparent attempt to prevent the modernization of American energy infrastructure in favor of propping up antiquated coal plants.

EPA finalized the Power Plants Rule last year to require coal- and gas-burning power plants to control 90% of their climate pollution. Once implemented, this Rule, along with related regulations and federal clean energy investments, was anticipated to prevent 30,000 premature deaths and save $275 billion per year. Climate heating is already causing Americans to suffer from more frequent severe storms and heat waves, food and water insecurity, and increased populations of disease-bearing insects like ticks. Yet Trump’s administration is focused on eliminating climate protections like the Power Plants Rule and withdrawing investments in renewable technologies. As a result, Trump may be ceding future energy leadership to other nations such as China, which has already secured the vast majority of the current global market in solar panel production. 

Alex Bomstein, Clean Air Council Executive Director, issued the following statement:

“By rolling back critical safeguards, EPA is prioritizing Trump’s polluters-first agenda over the health of American families suffering from developmental damage, cancer, and cardiovascular illness caused by needless heavy metal pollution. EPA Administrator’s Zeldin’s claim that promoting coal plants will lead to American ‘energy dominance’ is akin to insisting that we can lead the way in transportation by bolstering manufacturing of horse-drawn carriages or in communication technology by promoting production of corded telephones. We should instead be at the forefront of the global renewable energy revolution that vastly reduces harmful pollution and protects our health.”

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Clean Air Council’s Trail and Transportation Teams, along with the help of East Coast Greenway, celebrated 2025’s World Bicycle Day with a bike ride from Center City Philadelphia to Southwest Philadelphia. Starting at City Hall, the ride navigated bike lanes in Center City and West/Southwest Philadelphia. Participants cycled sections of the Schuylkill River Trail and East Coast Greenway, including the newly opened Christian to Crescent Trail and Cobbs Creek Trail. 

The 10+ mile ride highlighted opportunities for employees to commute sustainably to work while enjoying the safety and green space off off-road ADA-compliant trails offer. A flat tire during the ride didn’t stop riders from reaching their final destination and receiving regional maps of the Circuit Trails to further explore the region’s almost 500 miles of trails. Participants were also given instructions on how to use GoPhillyGo to plan their sustainable trip using a combination of walking, biking, and public transit. GoPhillyGo.org can be used to find directions to trails and environmental centers throughout greater Philadelphia. Participants were also left with swag gift bags including t-shirts, stickers, and more. 

A big thanks to all of the riders who joined the Council and made Philadelphia’s air quality a little better while getting their exercise for the day. Learn more about the Council’s Trail Team and Transportation Teams work.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (Friday, April 11) – Yesterday, Clean Air Council filed a Dispute of the termination of a Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant which would have enabled the Council to respond to health concerns of Delaware City, DE communities by providing concrete services. The $490,912 Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Cooperative Agreement grant was meant to establish air quality monitoring and help organize communities to study and protect themselves from air pollution emissions from the Delaware City Refinery. 

On March 12, 2025, EPA notified the Council in a form letter that EPA had terminated the CPS grant without specifying which of several factors allegedly applied. The letter stated only that the grant allegedly:

“provides funding for programs that promote or take part in DEI initiatives or environmental justice initiatives or other initiatives that conflict with the Agency’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in performing our statutory functions; that are not free from fraud, abuse, waste, or duplication; or that otherwise fail to serve the best interests of the United States. The grant is therefore inconsistent with, and no longer effectuates, Agency priorities.”

Approximately 400 federal grants around the country were similarly terminated.

“We are disputing this unlawful decision because we remain committed to fighting for the Delaware City communities served through this grant,” said Alex Bomstein, Clean Air Council Executive Director. “The communities around the Refinery have long endured health, economic, and social harms from the Refinery’s air pollution emissions, and we will do everything in our power to continue to advocate for their rights to clean air, pure water, and a livable climate despite our grant being wrongly terminated.”

The grant, welcomed by the community, promised to provide the following: (1) setting up air quality monitors; (2) analyzing the data with community members; (3) assisting in community organizing; and (4) helping residents and community organizations to develop emergency response plans in case of an emergency caused by the Refinery, such as an accident causing a sudden large release of toxic air pollution.

In celebration of Earth Day, Clean Air Council will be tabling and/or in attendance at the following events. We hope to see you there!

Environatal Day at Bartram’s Garden | April 17th 10-2pm 

Join Nature Momz at Bartram’s Garden for an organized group walk along the trail to discuss maternal health, air quality, and the impact of the environment on mothers and infants. Free to all and no registration is required.

In partnership with the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Clear Air Council, Nurturely and a Place for Ummi Maternity Care.

Spring Fest at Bartram’s Garden | April 19th 10-2pm 

Join Bartram’s Garden for their annual spring celebration! Activities will include a guided tour of the Garden’s 19th-century flower garden, a youth-led block printing activity, hands-on natural dye activity, an annual plant sale, and so much more. Clean Air Council will be tabling at the event, so stop by to learn more about the smoke contamination issue at Bartram’s Garden. 

SEPTA’s Earth Day Celebration | April 21st 11-2pm

SEPTAs Sustainability Department is hosting its annual Earth Day Expo. Check out SEPTAs Zero Emission Fuel Cell buses, learn more about SEPTA’s sustainability practices, and visit Clean Air Councils table to learn more about our transportation programs. 

Earth Day Expo at Temple University | April 22nd 11-3pm

Join the Office of Sustainability and TSG Sustainability Committee for an Earth Day Expo to learn more about sustainability on campus through student involvement, departmental research, and action plan development. Clean Air Council will be tabling at the Expo, so stop by to learn more about the Council’s transportation programs. 

Swissvale Community Garden Earth Day Cleanup | April 22nd 6-8pm

Join the Swissvale Community Garden to help clean out garden beds and prepare for the growing season. Clean Air Council organizers will be in attendance to discuss our composting program and how to start composting. 

Mt. Lebanon Earth Day Event 2025 | April 27th 11-3pm

Join us for live music, vendors, henna art, yoga classes, a kids bike course, and so much more at the Mt. Lebanon Earth Day Event. Stop by Clean Air Councils table to learn more about our programs in Southwest Pennsylvania. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 12, 2025) Today, Clean Air Council received notice that our EPA grant to monitor air quality and protect residents from harmful pollution from the Delaware City Refinery (DCR) in Delaware City, DE was terminated. The project works to reduce health conditions like asthma and cancer that can be caused by air pollution from the DCR while also establishing a community-driven disaster response network in the neighborhoods surrounding the DCR in all directions, which could prevent potential harm to the health and safety of residents. The rationale EPA provided for canceling this funding is that it is inconsistent with agency priorities to support “programs or organizations that promote or take part in diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives” or “environmental justice initiatives. 

Clean Air Council Executive Director Alex Bomstein issued the following statement:

“Environmental justice initiatives are critical to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their race, income, or background, has equal access to a clean and healthy environment. The termination of this program will have real life impacts for those in Delaware City being exposed to harmful pollution every day. Despite this termination notice, we are doing everything we can to continue this fight for Delaware City and all the communities we serve.”