Press Release: Right-To-Know Advocates Win Battle for Access to Chemical Security Data

Washington, DC -- July 12, 2005 -- The non-profit research organization OMB Watch posted updated information on the public risks posed by over 18,000 U.S. chemical facilities on its Right-to-Know Network (RTK NET) website for the first time since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removed the Risk Management Plan (RMP) database, designed to provide communities and individuals with information on chemical facilities, from its website in October 2001. The RMP data is available at www.rtknet.org/rmp/. Since that time, the RTK NET website has been the only easily accessible public source of these safety records. However, EPA also refused the organization's requests made under the Freedom of Information Act to provide updated RMP data. The agency claimed the information, which by law is collected specifically to inform communities about chemical risks, was part of internal agency rules and therefore exempt from public release. After years of working with EPA to release the information, OMB Watch finally filed a complaint in court. The administration almost immediately provided the data without argument or explanation of its early refusals. "We're pleased with the outcome," said Sean Moulton a senior policy analyst with OMB Watch. "The public needs this information to make informed decisions about its own safety. We can not let public safety become a business decision made behind closed doors." RTK NET has maintained the Internet database since 1999, when under Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, RMP reports became mandatory for U.S. facilities that work with significant amounts of hazardous chemicals. These chemicals, such as chlorine gas, pose significant risks to nearby communities if released due to accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack. Facilities submit RMP reports to the EPA explaining their operations, safety equipment, accident prevention and response plans, and an accident history. Industry has long lobbied against public access to this information and increased its efforts in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks when some agency officials became concerned the information could be used by terrorists. However, open government advocates maintain that, the solution to vulnerabilities at chemical plants lies in addressing problems and warming communities, not in hiding weakness and hope that nothing bad happens. The RMP information is the starting point for communities, local officials and the facilities themselves to address these weaknesses, minimize risks, and improve emergency response plans. Recent industrial accidents involving dangerous chemical releases, such as those in Graniteville, South Carolina and Texas City, Texas, highlight the need for greater public scrutiny and participation. "These executive summaries are not blueprints for terrorists," explains Moulton. "They are tools that allow us to better protect our communities and our families. It's been almost four years since 9/11 terrorist attacks and many of these facilities have not reduced their risks at all. The public needs this information so they can demand that facilities do a better job. This is one instance where ignorance isn't bliss." ###
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