Senators Block EPA Plan to Release Chemical Storage Information

chemicals

Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe has some support in a move to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing what he calls a “midnight” regulation requiring chemical storage information be made available to the public.

Together with Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Jerry Moran of Kansas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Sen. Inhofe introduced a resolution to block the Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs under the Clean Air Act Rule.

“This CRA resolution blocks an Obama administration midnight regulation that puts our chemical facilities, surrounding communities and our national security at risk, while doing nothing to actually improve safety,” said Inhofe. “By requiring chemical facilities to disclose to the public the types and quantities of chemicals stored there and their security vulnerabilities, the EPA is giving a blueprint to those who would like to do us harm.”

He said Department of Homeland Security, OSHA and existing EPA regulations will remain in place to continue ensuring the safety of the facilities. Sen. Barrasso agreed with Inhofe’s claims.

“The EPA’s Risk Management Program rule was a politically-motivated midnight-regulation by the Obama administration. This resolution will preserve existing safety measures vital to chemical facilities and surrounding communities. It will also ensure that sensitive information remains protected,” said Barrasso.