Should facilities that involve hazardous chemicals be required to hold public meetings prior to the release of the substance?

Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

This bill requires the owner or operator of a facility where hazardous chemicals are produced, used, or stored to hold an annual public meeting and a public meeting within 72 hours of the release of an extremely hazardous substance. Furthermore, the owner or operator must publish a notice in a local newspaper, giving at least 24 hours of notice before the public meeting. Sponsor: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, Delaware)
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Opponents say

There are currently no official opposing statements to this bill since the bill was introduced recently. It has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. When opposing statements are available, we will update this summary.

Proponents say

• "We must have a robust response and notification process that involves the local community in the development of any emergency response plan and ensures that the fence line community is the first to know about a leak or emergency in their neighborhood. All too often, communities are the last to know about an emergency. This is unacceptable. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the ALERT Act, which will require industries producing hazardous and toxic chemicals to engage directly with the community where they are located to ensure residents have real-time knowledge of any toxic release and ensure that communities are engaged in the subsequent remediation plan." Source: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, Delaware)

• "Biden will ensure that the federal government recommends that each state adequately monitors environmental pollution, including emissions, criteria pollutants, and toxics, in frontline and fenceline communities." Source: Joe Biden’s Campaign Website (Democrat)