Posted on 04/24/2003 6:32:56 PM PDT by Fzob
Edited on 07/06/2004 6:38:45 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
WOODBURY -- A bill proposed more than one year ago by U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine that would strengthen security measures at the nation's chemical plants is still in limbo and is getting an overhaul by the Bush administration.
Corzine's bill would have required the Environmental Protection Agency to work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop regulations to require high-priority chemical plants to conduct vulnerability assessments and to implement response plans that include security improvements and safer technologies.
(Excerpt) Read more at nj.com ...
Well assuming it is needed at all, I agree. The EPA can barely figure out how to protect the environment, let alone security.
Looks like the Corzine's bill was a "back-door" to have the EPA control and oversee a large and important part of our countries industry under the guise of "security".
How many "drug manufacturers" would let the EPA have control over their production facilities in the name of security???
It's potentially just as great a hazard
Corzine is working over-time to get this bill passed as is. Many of the corporations identified as potential targets (Information that was confidential, but was suddenly was leaked to about 10 local papers) have recently received extremely detailed and aggressive audits by EPA people who are basically clueless about chemical manufacturing. The typical inspector are in general knowledgeable about the facilities they audit. And understand the difference between a clerical error and not following the rules. The inpections being carried out now are just trying to pile up infractions regradless of the nature or seriousness involved. This tells me Corzine has put pressure on the EPA and the DEP in order to create a laundry list of bogus noncompliances for corporations
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