Congress Recommits to Toxic Safety Measures

Since Sept. 11, we’ve worked to make chemical facilities safer by switching from dangerous chemicals to less toxic alternatives.

In 2002, we worked with then-Sen. Corzine (N.J.) to move a bill to address security at our nation’s chemical facilities. The bill won approval in a Senate committee, but the chemical lobby prevented a final up or down vote.

In 2006, Congress again got close to passing a bill that would tighten up security at plants and make the switch to safer alternatives. But the chemical lobby shut democratic
committee members out of a closed-door, last-minute meeting that replaced strong regulations with weak, temporary provisions.

This year’s bill has already received strong support on Capitol Hill, with backing from many representatives including Texas’ Sheila Jackson-Lee.

To push past the chemical lobby’s power, we’ll need to see the same kind of groundswell of support as we have seen in the past. A victory would set the stage for more victories for our health and safety in the future.