Congresswoman Richardson Applauds Favorable Action By The Homeland Security Committee For Passing The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act Of 2009

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Richardson applauded the Homeland Security Committee for passing the several year awaited Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, legislation that will protect our nation from a terrorist attack by making critical infrastructure more secure, enhance the security of chemical facilities and help rebuild our economy.

Congresswoman Richardson was successful in getting a whistle blower protection provision included into the bill. The provision would authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to impose civil penalties on employers who retaliate against employees for reporting safety concerns to regulatory authorities.

"When it comes to the security of our chemical facilities, the employees who work onsite are the ‘First Preventers,'" Congresswoman Richardson said. "We depend on them to be competent, vigilante, and pro-active. We owe them the assurance that they will not be penalized for reporting irregularities, incompetence or any act that might jeopardize the safety of the workers and surrounding communities."

Congresswoman Richardson's district includes the Port City of Long Beach and is home to four major oil refineries and several gas treatment and petrochemical facilities.

Source