More than three years after the attacks of 9/11, our nation’s chemical manufacturing and transport facilities remain extremely vulnerable to terrorism. Voluntary approaches have failed to accomplish what our national security requires, leaving us with no choice: The administration must put aside its ideological resistance to federal action, overcome private sector inertia, force a change in the status quo, and put into place new safety measures. In this, the first in a series of papers on protecting our critical infrastructure, the Center for American Progress sets out a 12-month action plan to reduce the risks posed by the nation’s chemical facilities.
Dr. Linda Greer is a Senior Scientist and Director of Natural Resources Defense Council’s public health program. She specializes in issues related to toxic chemicals and hazardous waste, currently focusing on mercury pollution and the risk assessment methodologies for toxic chemicals.