Congressman Al Green’s Concerns Addressed in Language to Protect Vulnerable Communities in “Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Acts of 2019”

(Washington, D.C.) – On Wednesday, June 19, 2019, Congressman Al Green thanks Congressman Cedric Richmond for including language in H.R. 3256 that reflect his concerns for the vulnerable communities that surround chemical facilities.

“The Greater Houston area is home to numerous facilities that store chemicals found on the chemical facility anti-terrorism standards (CFATS) ‘chemicals of interest’ list, including benzene, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen oxide, among others. These chemicals present alarming dangers to Houstonians as they are being stored and processed in our communities – near our schools, hospitals, recreational areas, sporting venues, and the Houston Ship Channel which is one of the busiest ports in the United States. The March 2019 ITC chemical plant fires are a reminder that what happens at chemical facilities affect the surrounding communities.

“We should be doing more in our assessment and evaluation of chemical facilities to mitigate the impact they may have on the nearby, vulnerable communities. That is why I am proud to advocate for the language included in H.R. 3256 that addresses my concerns for these at-risk communities. The bill includes language that urges the review of risk assessment and tiering methodology for the nature of the area surrounding chemical facilities. It also requires the Department of Homeland Security to assess the potential health and economic effects for communities like those across the Greater Houston area that are disproportionately vulnerable to the consequences of an emergency at or near these facilities.

“On behalf of my constituents and the City of Houston, I must express my gratitude to Chairman Bennie Thompson for his leadership and my Homeland Security colleague Congressman Cedric Richmond for including this language in his bill. I look forward to passing this legislation on the House floor.”