Contact: Matthew Dempsey 202-224-5762 matthew_dempsey@epw.senate.gov

WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today criticized partisan legislation offered by several Senate Democrats that would expand the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency and impose unnecessary restrictions on chemical plants in the name of improving security at those types of facilities. 

“My message has always been that chemical security is an issue of security, not environmental protection,” Senator Inhofe said. “Liberal environmental activists and special interests have been promoting the concept of ‘inherently safer technology’ for years because it would only eliminate the use of chemicals they don’t like. IST is not a solution for improving security, and the Department of Homeland Security opposes its use for that purpose.

“Last year, Senate Democrats wanted to give EPA the authority over gasoline production, and now they want to expand its authority to include facility security. If Democrats want to talk security, let’s talk security instead of offering partisan legislation that is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to appease special interests in an election year. Their plan for securing these facilities is a prescription for failure.”