Wednesday, May 21, 2003

World War II threat over, says Dept of Interior The BLM has revoked Public Land Order No. 62 in Utah. The order provided for the protection of 107 acres of public land for the protection of manganese ore in support of the prosecution of World War II.  The land will be opened to surface entry, mining, and mineral leasing. 10:06:52 AM

Chemical Plants, Terrorists, and Greanpeace Sen. Jon Corzine of New Jersey has been pushing a bill in Congress (Chemical Security Act) that would require chemical plants with "worst-case scenarios" filed with the EPA that would put people at risk of terrorist attacks to submit vulnerability assessments, increase security and implement safer practices. Although the bill was supported by a broad range of advocates, from national security proponents to environmentalist groups like Greanpeace, recent lobbying from major chemical associations and industry goups and put the bill offtrack. In March the GAO issued a report highlighting the risk posed by unsecured chemical plants to terrorist attacks. Utah is listed by the EPA as containing 1 (unidentified) chemical plant whose required "worst-case scenario" submission indicated vulnerability to terrorist attack. [GAO Report] [EPA Chemical Plant Information] 10:01:41 AM