This was written by Amanda Rowoldt, Moms’ Ohio Field Organizer.
I live in Ohio, a major hub for the plastics and petrochemical industry. In fact, we have so many polluting plastics facilities that some are operating right next to residential neighborhoods, only separated by a line of trees. This proximity leaves Ohioans at grave risk of hazardous chemical disasters, which happen more than once every two days across the U.S.
That’s why, earlier this month, I gave testimony at EPA’s hearing about its dangerous proposal to weaken the Chemical Disaster Prevention Rule. Moms across the country are demanding that EPA protect the health and safety of families like mine.
Tell EPA: Protect Our Families From Chemical Disasters
The Chemical Disaster Prevention Rule doesn’t just impact Ohio. EPA’s proposed changes to these protections put over 177 million people who live near chemical facilities in the U.S. at risk of dangerous chemical accidents. It simply makes no sense to chip away at rules that protect millions of people.
As the mother of two young boys and a cancer survivor, I know what is at stake if EPA weakens this rule: our health and safety. The Chemical Disaster Prevention Rule provides safeguards to prevent and reduce risk of explosions, fires, and more—disasters that don’t just threaten our safety short-term, but can involve chemical exposures with long-term effects, including cancer, developmental disorders, reproductive problems, hormone disruption, and more.
For the protection of our families, workers, and first responders, it’s critical to keep the Chemical Disaster Prevention Rule as is. Join Moms in ensuring that EPA keeps our families safe from potential harm.