You Are Here:
- Greenpeace >
- Issues >
- Toxics
More than six years since the attacks of 9/11 one of our greatest terrorist risks remains unaddressed. An attack on one U.S. chemical plants could kill thousands of people, but despite the warnings, nothing has been done to prevent such a disaster. Even President Bush's former Homeland Security Advisor, Richard Falkenrath, says chemical plants are "uniquely deadly, pervasive and susceptible to terrorist attack."
The EPA identified more than 100 chemical plants that each threatens a million or more people up to 25 miles away from a plant. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory estimates that 100,000 people could be killed or injured in the first 30 minutes following such an attack.
The good news is that there are safer technologies now in use that will eliminate these risks without sacrificing jobs. Since 9/11, more than 200 plants have switched to safer alternatives, but at that rate it will take more than 45 years to neutralize these threats. We need strong legislation that will require the conversion to safer technologies.
In July 2006 Congress passed a weak temporary law that exempts thousands of chemical plants. It was supported by Dow Chemical and other industry giants. The Department of Homeland security proposed equally flawed regulations based on this law. See our comments and the comments of congressional leaders exposing these flaws.
It is now up to the new Congress to pass a strong permanent law that will protect our communities. Last July, the House Homeland Security Committee started to do that but it was never allowed to go to the House floor. That's the kind of legislation that needs to be fast-tracked this year.
Read Greenpeace's critique of Homeland Security's flawed chemical security proposal here.
Read the Congressional critique of Homeland Security's flawed chemical security proposal here.
Related news
- The Washington Monthly
- Huffington Post
The EPA identified more than 100 chemical plants that each threatens a million or more people up to 25 miles away from a plant. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory estimates that 100,000 people could be killed or injured in the first 30 minutes following such an attack.
The good news is that there are safer technologies now in use that will eliminate these risks without sacrificing jobs. Since 9/11, more than 200 plants have switched to safer alternatives, but at that rate it will take more than 45 years to neutralize these threats. We need strong legislation that will require the conversion to safer technologies.
In July 2006 Congress passed a weak temporary law that exempts thousands of chemical plants. It was supported by Dow Chemical and other industry giants. The Department of Homeland security proposed equally flawed regulations based on this law. See our comments and the comments of congressional leaders exposing these flaws.
It is now up to the new Congress to pass a strong permanent law that will protect our communities. Last July, the House Homeland Security Committee started to do that but it was never allowed to go to the House floor. That's the kind of legislation that needs to be fast-tracked this year.
Read Greenpeace's critique of Homeland Security's flawed chemical security proposal here.
Read the Congressional critique of Homeland Security's flawed chemical security proposal here.
Related news
- The Washington Monthly
- Huffington Post
Take Action
Experts predict that as many as 100,000 Americans could be killed or injured in just 30 minutes as a result of a terrorist attack on railways carrying lethal chlorine. Tell your senators to act NOW to prevent further tragedy.
Toxic Patrol
Related Documents
238 Lobbyists Led the Chemical Industry Campaign Against Strong Laws and Regulations in 2007
May 01, 2008
Chemical Security Testimony by Greenpeace's Rick Hind
February 25, 2008
Revolving Door: Chemical Security Lobbyists for 2007
Coalition Letter to Congress
FAQ on Safer Technologies
May 02, 2008
Download Map
Find Out:
In the News:
