Iowa PIRG : Support Safer Alternatives

By Meshawn Ayala

Imagine if a hazardous chemical plant in your community exploded into flames and sent clouds of chemical-laden smoke into the air. And during the fire, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers didn't know why the smoke billowing from the plant was yellow or what the risks were to you and your neighbors.

With more than 15,000 chemical facilities nationwide this threat is very real. The most effective way to make chemical plants safer and more secure is to replace dangerous chemicals with safer technologies.

Please take a moment to urge your Representative to support comprehensive chemical security legislation that promotes safer alternatives. Then forward this email to your friends and family and ask them to do the same.

To take action, click on this link or paste it into your browser.

Background

In April, the Department of Homeland Security finalized temporary regulations intended to protect Americans from more than 15,000 chemical plants storing dangerous quantities of acutely toxic chemicals like hydrochloric acid or chlorine gas.  A single accident or deliberate release of these toxics could kill or seriously injure thousands.

Unfortunately, these regulations are far too weak and were adopted at a stiff price - they headed off stronger, comprehensive chemical security legislation aimed at protecting communities in the danger zones around these plants. 

For more than five years, the chemical industry and its allies have derailed chemical security bills, winning weak regulations after backroom negotiations that preserve a dangerous status quo.

Above all, the new regulations ignore the most effective way to make chemical plants safer and more secure, which is to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives where feasible.  Fortunately, Congress already has a blueprint to establish a more protective program.  

Please take a moment to urge your Representative to support comprehensive chemical security legislation that promotes safer alternatives. Then forward this email to your friends and family and ask them to do the same.

To take action, click on this link or paste it into your browser.

Sincerely,

Meshawn Ayala
Iowa PIRG Citizen Outreach Director
MeshawnA@iowapirg.org
http://www.IowaPIRG.org