Public interest organizations are ramping up their advocacy in favor of so-called “inherently safer technology” (IST) mandates ahead of an October 30 deadline for EPA and other federal agencies to suggest policy reforms that might increase safety at chemical handling facilities.
The deadline was established through an Executive Order on chemical facility security issued by President Obama in August. The order directed a new Chemical Safety and Security Working Group (comprised of EPA, DHS and other government agencies) to suggest policies and procedures to improve chemical facility safety and increase coordination with local officials. Also, EPA is required to determine whether the agency’s Risk Management Program should be expanded to cover additional regulated substances and types of hazards.
Throughout October, an organization known as the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters has carried out an advocacy campaign to promote the inclusion of IST mandates. The coalition, comprised of more than 100 health, labor, environment and public interest groups advocating in support of tougher chemical facility rules, earlier this month released pollresults finding that 59 percent of respondents agreed with a statement explaining “we must do more . . . by requiring high-risk chemical facilities to switch to safer processes and chemicals.”
In the past IST mandates have drawn strong opposition from industry groups and Republicans on Capitol Hill, so any new proposal that could lead to required use of IST at chemical facilities would be met with heavy pushback.
Work on President Obama’s executive order will not conclude when the working group releases its initial recommendations. The order also directs the group to convene a meeting of stakeholders (including critical infrastructure representatives, state regulators and “environmental and community groups”) to discuss options to reduce risks in the production and storage of hazardous chemicals, including through “the use of safer alternatives.” The order would not place any resulting suggestions on a binding path toward implementation, but it would offer another forum for IST supporters to promote their agenda.