Chemical-plant security vote postponed

Critics, including Greenpeace, call legislation inadequate

The House Energy and Commerce Committee put off a scheduled vote last week on legislation to extend a program that requires many chemical plants to file security vulnerability assessments with the Department of Homeland Security and get pre-security clearance for employees.

The Associated Press archiveRep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa.

The original legislation was adopted in response to the 9/11 terrorism attacks. "Under the Chemical Facility Anti-terrorism Standards, our chemical plants and refineries have made significant advancements in keeping our committees safe and the public secure," said Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., the bill's sponsor.

But critics, including Greenpeace, called the legislation a "sham," saying it doesn't require chemical plant operators to consider substitution of less volatile alternative chemicals that would be less vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

The House Energy Committee's vote on the bill is expected when the House returns to session the week of May 23.

Bruce Alpert can be reached at balpert@timespicayune.com or 202.857.5131. Jonathan Tilove can be reached at jtilove@timespicayune.com or 202.857.5125.