Speak Up for Chemical Security

Over four years after September 11, we are still waiting for our chemical plants to be made secure from terrorist threats. Last December, Senators Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, and Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut Democrat, proposed the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act (S. 2145). According to the EPA, there are 123 facilities where a chemical release could endanger more than a million people and over 750 facilities where a chemical release could harm over 100,000. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that one breached chlorine tank could kill 17,500 people. Yet chemical plants provide little security against attack. The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act requires that they be assessed for vulnerability to attack with appropriate security plans following. In order to assess plants, the Department of Homeland Security would create performance standards for which failure to meet could result in closure. While the bill does not currently address finding safer alternatives for dangerous chemicals in use, it could be strengthened to do so.

Take Action

Urge your senators to support the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act (S. 2145) and strengthen it to require the search for safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals. Call the Capital switchboard, (202) 244-3121, to be connected to your congressperson or check www.senate.gov, to get all their contact information. You can also send your representative a letter; sample text is provided below.

Dear Senator [insert your Congressperson's name here],

I live and work in [insert your state] and am concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks on unprotected chemical plants and the dangerous materials they contain. It is shameful that over four years have passed since September 11th, 2001 without action to protect our communities from such "soft targets." Given the threat a single breached chlorine tank could pose—up to 17,500 deaths according to the Department of Homeland Security—I urge you to support the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act (S. 2145) and strengthen it to include the requirement that safer alternatives be found for hazardous chemicals.

Yours truly,
[your name]