Full-court press for chemical security!

On March 11, the House Homeland Security Committee formally introduced the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 (H.R. 5577) with 19 co-sponsors.

We want 16 more co-sponsors by the end of this month. 

Please sign this letter to your representative and ask him or her to co-sponsor the U.S. PIRG-backed bill, to protect American communities from toxic chemicals.

Text of the letter: 

Dear Representative,

A deliberate or accidental release of toxic chemicals could kill or seriously injure thousands of Americans. The best way to deal with this threat is to replace toxic chemicals with safer technologies, especially because many safer alternatives already exist.

I urge you to co-sponsor comprehensive chemical security legislation that promotes the replacement of toxic chemicals with safer technologies—H.R. 5577, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008. 

H.R. 5577 will:
- Require high-risk chemical facilities to use safer chemicals or methods that "reduce the consequences of a terrorist attack" as long as they do not shift risks and are technically feasible and cost effective.

- Eliminate the current law's exemption of approximately 3,000 drinking water and wastewater facilities.

- Involve plant employees in the development of vulnerability assessments and security plans and provide protection for whistleblowers.

-  Protect state authority to establish stronger security standards.

Sincerely,