Competitive Enterprise Institute
Contact: Richard Morrison or Judy Kent, 202-331-1010
Taking Away Terrorist Tools for Chemical Warfare Senate Hearings Examine Public "Right to Know" About Chemical Sites
Washington, D.C., November 12, 2001- Hearings are being held in the U.S. Senate this week to reassess the safety of chemical and industrial facilities in the light of recent terrorist attacks. A key policy at stake is the so-called "right to know" law, which requires the federal government to publicly disclose sensitive information about chemical and industrial facilities around the country that could be used by terrorists to target the most dangerous locations.
The Environmental Protection Agency is still making this information publicly available in reading rooms across the country, even as the rest of the federal government is scrambling to limit the tools and information to which potential terrorists have access.
"Since the events of September 11, the case is stronger than ever to repeal this right to know law," said Angela Logomasini, director of risk and environmental policy at CEI. "The original goal of these regulations - educating communities about the proper response to an industrial accident or chemical release - can be accomplished in ways that don't put a new weapon in the hands of our nation's enemies."
Available for Interviews on the Right to Know Issue: Angela Logomasini Director of Risk and Environmental Policy alogomasini at cei.org
Recently seen: The New York Post, the Providence Journal, the Washington Times and CNN.
To set up an interview with Ms. Logomasini, please contact the media relations department at 202-331-1010.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Morrison Director of Media Relations Competitive Enterprise Institute 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW - Suite 1250 Washington, DC 20036 202-331-1010 - ext. 266 202-331-0640 - fax www.cei.org