GASP, or Gals Against Smog and Pollution, was formed in the spring of 1968 by a group of Missoula women who wanted to fight air pollution in the Missoula valley. The group, active through 1970, aimed to implement the provisions of the 1967 Clean Air Act of Montana. Through petition drives, advertisements, rallies, marches, speeches before groups, and appearances before state regulatory agencies, the organization led the fight for strict air and water pollution standards for the state. Their first and most major target was the Hoerner-Waldorf plant, a large Kraft paper pulp operation west of Missoula. GASP was instrumental in bringing about a local pollution control system for Missoula County.
GASP was formed as both a study and an action group. As a study group, members researched pollution and industry issues, conducted interviews, and maintained a library. GASP committees covered issues such as Kraft pulp and paper processing; teepee burners and lumber companies; car exhaust, open burning, and backyard incinerators; clean air legislation; and meteorology and topography. Committees were also responsible for correspondence, publicity, fund raising, and general dissemination of information about pollution.
From the guide to the GAP (Missoula, Mont.) Records, 1958-1970, (Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives and Special Collections)
