WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CLAIRTON, PA?
In Clairton, Pennsylvania, the term “environmental racism” is more than a concept—it’s a reality. Every day, the people of Clairton breathe in air consistently ranked among the worst in the nation.
The airborne byproducts of coke production, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), are known causes of conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and cancer. These pollutants have been linked to many other health problems, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies coke oven emissions as known carcinogens.
Clairton Coke Works is the largest coke plant in the country, producing about 4.7 million tons of coke per year.
U.S. Steel’s three plants in the Pittsburgh region drew over $9 million in air quality fines from the Allegheny County Health Department last year.
A different future for Clairton is possible. The people of Clairton's future and dreams do not need to be financed by fossil fuels, false solutions, and promises. Together, we can move from harm to healing by sharing our stories and amplifying our voices.
Photos by photojournalist Quinn Glabicki. Source: Public Source's The City of Prayer: Clairton’s residents persevere amid persistent pollution and violence
WHAT'S YOUR POLLUTION STORY?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 71% of African Americans live in counties that are in violation of federal air pollution standards, compared with only 58% of non-Hispanic whites. If you live in Clairton or any other Appalachian community facing environmental and social injustices, we would love to hear from you. Stories are a powerful advocacy tool. They can change people’s hearts and minds, and they can even influence public policy. BLAC provides a platform where Black residents are seen and heard as leaders, credible messengers, and experts on the social issues they face.
A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR CLAIRTON IS POSSIBLE
YOUTH + CHILDREN
Our children and youth come first. They deserve a future where they can breathe clean air and peacefully play sports.
HEALTH
The people of Clairton experience daily health crises, from asthma to cancer. We pay the price for Coke Works’ pollution with their mental and physical health.
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POLLUTION + VIOLENCE
There is a direct relationship between pollution levels and violence levels in the city of Clairton. To reduce violence in our community, we must fight environmental injustice.
ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM
Clairton experiences environmental racism daily. The city is neglected by its leaders, and its activities are funded by corrupt industry enablers.
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
There are many actions you can take in your community or at home, from having conversations to engaging in actions on the ground.
REIMAGINED FUTURE
We need to take back the power from corrupt politicians funded by the industry and give it back to the community.
HISTORY SHOWS
CLAIRTON COKE WORKS IS A BAD NEIGHBOR
SIGN THE PETITION
Take action. Urge the Allegheny County Health Department to protect our health!
Complete the form to support the people of Clairton's freedom to breathe.
STAND WITH CLAIRTON
STANDING WITH
A different future for Clairton is possible. This city should not be financed by fossil fuels and fed false promises. We can move from harm to healing by sharing our stories and amplifying our voices.
STANDING AGAINST
There are many actions you can take in your community or at home, from having conversations to engaging in actions on the ground.
READ OUR DEMANDS
We urge the Allegheny County Health Department to hold Clairton Coke Works accountable for violating the Clean Air Act.
Everyone has the fundamental right to access clean air and water that is not contaminated by pollution. Clairton Coke Works plant is violating our clean air rights, and we should hold them accountable. We urge the Allegheny County Health Department to create a compliance schedule with opportunities for public input via public hearings on the Title V permit.
We need more funding for healthcare services and air quality management systems in Clairton.
Allegheny County ranks in the top 1% of counties in the U.S. for cancer risk from industrial air pollution. However, access to healthcare is an issue that exacerbates Clairton's health disparities. We need more funding for local agencies and health departments to address disproportionate exposures to air pollution and improve communication with Clairton Coke Works, U.S. Steel, and the public to reduce pollution exposure.
We need more funding for youth programs to learn new skills and socialize as kids.
In Clairton, the childhood asthma rate is over 22%—nearly triple the national average of 6.5%. The youth in Clairton deserve a future in which they can breathe clean air and play sports safely. Clairton needs funding for more local youth programs run by trusted community members, through which kids can find safe places to learn new skills and just be kids.
AMPLIFY US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#FREEDOMTOBREATHE #JUSTICEFORCLAIRTON
Access to clean air and water that is not stifled by pollution are
fundamental rights needed to live a dignified life. Clairton, Pennsylvania, houses the largest coke plants in the U.S. The people of Clairton breathe air ranked among the worst quality in the nation, violating our right to clean air. Help us hold decision-makers accountable to comply with clean air laws!