SAFE CHEMICAL FACILITIES— Chemical industry lobbyists have thwarted strong bills at the federal level year after year—bills that would protect communities from chemical accidents.

Safe Alternatives To Toxics Sought

In May, OSPIRG launched the Toxic-Free Communities Campaign to build support for strong public health protections from toxic chemicals. The project combines the efforts of over a dozen state organizations that are part of U.S. PIRG, the Federation of State PIRGs.

Research has revealed health risks caused by polluters dumping toxic chemicals, chemical facilities storing dangerous amounts of hazardous chemicals, and manufacturers using toxics in consumer products.

Unfortunately, polluters continue to pump billions of pounds of toxic chemicals into our air, land and water each year, many of which can cause cancer and other severe health effects.

“We need bold policies that replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives, and make polluters pay to clean up their pollution,” said Advocate Alex Fidis.

The chemical industry has thus far opposed such measures. As this newsletter went to print, Congress had begun debating bills to restore communities’ right to know about toxics, and reduce public health risks caused by chemical facilities.