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EPA's Lax Chemical Security Plan
The Natural Resources Defense Council
WASHINGTON (October 2, 2002) --
At a press event today, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman unveiled her agency's Strategic Plan for Homeland Security, which lays out EPA's role in meeting its homeland security responsibilities. Unfortunately, when it comes to protecting the public from the very real threat of a terrorist attack on the nation's chemical plants, EPA's plan is a complete failure. EPA's strategy amounts to little more than pleading for industry's voluntary efforts and hoping for the best. Apparently, EPA plans to "work with" industry associations to encourage them to implement security enhancements, and to develop guidance for corporations to consider in deciding how, if at all, to address their vulnerabilities to terror attack. Entirely missing is any requirement that at risk facilities actually do something to secure themselves and reduce their attractiveness as a potential target. The agency's approach is familiar; in recent weeks, EPA has issued two "Chemical Security Advisories," imploring companies to take extra care to guard against terrorism, but not demanding any action.

Why is the EPA (and the Bush administration) choosing a voluntary approach to this critical component of homeland security?

Maybe chemical plants aren't really dangerous. WRONG.
Maybe EPA doesn't have the authority to require companies to act. WRONG.
Maybe companies are doing a good job without regulation. WRONG.
Maybe EPA is working on other fronts to force companies to act. WRONG.

Much to the delight of industry, EPA has put forth a "do nothing" strategy for securing the nation's vulnerable chemical plants from possible terrorist attack. Feel free to contact NRDC for more information.

posted by An Old Curmudgeon 8:22 AM