Bush puts own stamp on Corzine bill

Gloucester County Times. ^ | April 24, 2003 | Brian Arrington

[Fzob]

WOODBURY -- A bill proposed more than one year ago by U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine that would strengthen security measures at the nation's chemical plants is still in limbo and is getting an overhaul by the Bush administration.

Corzine's bill would have required the Environmental Protection Agency to work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop regulations to require high-priority chemical plants to conduct vulnerability assessments and to implement response plans that include security improvements and safer technologies.

[FairOpinion]

"The bill would give Department of Homeland Security, rather than the originally proposed Environmental Protection Agency, ultimate control of the program."

I am certainly glad to hear this.

This is the way it should be.

[Fzob]

This is the way it should be.

Well assuming it is needed at all, I agree. The EPA can barely figure out how to protect the environment, let alone security.

[FairOpinion]

Some measures at chemical plants are needed, I read about it, that many of them are close to population center, and if some toxic chemicals get out, they can pose significant danger.

By having Homeland security in charge, to will focus on security, instead of trying to cripple the companies, by making them follow expensive and insane manufacturing processes, as Corzine and the liberals wanted.

[JZoback]

The bill would give Department of Homeland Security, rather than the originally proposed Environmental Protection Agency, ultimate control of the program.

Looks like the Corzine's bill was a "back-door" to have the EPA control and oversee a large and important part of our countries industry under the guise of "security".

How many "drug manufacturers" would let the EPA have control over their production facilities in the name of security???

It's potentially just as great a hazard

[Fzob]

Looks like the Corzine's bill was a "back-door" to have the EPA control and oversee a large and important part of our countries industry under the guise of "security".

Corzine is working over-time to get this bill passed as is. Many of the corporations identified as potential targets (Information that was confidential, but was suddenly was leaked to about 10 local papers) have recently received extremely detailed and aggressive audits by EPA people who are basically clueless about chemical manufacturing. The typical inspector are in general knowledgeable about the facilities they audit. And understand the difference between a clerical error and not following the rules. The inpections being carried out now are just trying to pile up infractions regradless of the nature or seriousness involved. This tells me Corzine has put pressure on the EPA and the DEP in order to create a laundry list of bogus noncompliances for corporations