RE: Pass legislation NOW to protect Americans from chemical disasters!

Dear Senator ,

I urge you to support S. 2486, the Chemical Security and Safety Act of 2006, legislation that reduces the risk of a potentially devastating chemical release caused by natural disasters, accidents, or terrorist attacks.

The Homeland Security Council has estimated that if terrorists struck a rail car full of chemicals in Washington, D.C. that there could be 127,500 victims, including 17,500 fatalities. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory agrees, estimating that 100,000 people could be killed or injured in the first 30 minutes following an attack with as many as 100 people dying per second.

Each year at least 1,000 spills, explosions, or fires involving hazardous chemicals cause deaths, injuries or evacuations. Despite the risk of accidents or terrorist attacks, many facilities continue to use dangerous chemicals when safer alternatives are available. According to the EPA, 15,000 industrial facilities have enough hazardous materials on site to harm millions of nearby residents if attacked.

Almost four years after 9/11 the federal government has failed to take action on this threat. It is unacceptable to allow our communities to go unprotected any longer. The Chemical Security and Safety Act of 2006 would reduce the risk of disaster at chemical facilities by encouraging companies to look for and adopt safer processes. The bill would also substitute safer alternatives for hazardous materials, and would reduce the volume of harmful chemicals stored at facilities. Once again the oil and chemical industry is opposing this bill, and has so far succeeded in preventing the passage of any legislation to protect Americans from the danger of accidents at or attacks on chemical facilities.

Despite industry claims of voluntarily boosted protections, federal studies confirm that security at most chemical facilities ranges from poor to non-existent. Reports by the Homeland Security Department, Justice Department, General Accounting Office, U.S. Army's Surgeon General, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Control, and others reveal that chemical plants are attractive terrorist targets, that their physical security is ineffective, that they can be made safer, and that voluntary efforts by industry are insufficient.

No further delays in protecting the security of the American people and our environment from chemical disaster are acceptable. Please take immediate action to make American communities safer by supporting S. 2486 and by doing whatever it takes to ensure its prompt passage.

Most Sincerely,

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