Jon S. Corzine: “About a half hour ago, Senator Edwards talked about an issue that has been one of the most serious concerns of mine and…”

“About a half hour ago, Senator Edwards talked about an issue that has been one of the most serious concerns of mine and a whole host of Americans--about the state of our security and the threat to the American people, which they face by the potential of a terrorist attack on our Nation's chemical plants. There are literally thousands of chemical producers, refineries, and similar facilities in the United States where chemicals released by any of these plants could kill or injure tens of thousands--and, frankly, even millions--of Americans through exposure to highly toxic gases. That is why these facilities are potentially so attractive to terrorists. Unfortunately, there are no Federal security standards for chemical facilities--none. So the private sector has been left to do as it sees appropriate on a completely voluntary basis. Far too many facilities simply have not stepped up to accept the responsibility. There are a number of private companies that have done everything ever thought to be necessary, but there are many that have been left out and keep vulnerabilities in front of the American people and are basically putting millions of Americans at risk.”