Media Contact: Phyllis McElroy, Communications & Marketing Director

pmcelroy@healthybay.org (253) 383-2429 ext. 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Communities for a Healthy Bay Supports New Safety Regulations for Oil Refineries

Tacoma, WA – August 16, 2023 – Communities for a Healthy Bay (CHB), an environmental organization dedicated the protection of Commencement Bay, applauds and supports the upcoming public hearings on new safety regulations for oil refineries in Washington. These changes promise to bolster the safety of workers and the environment, which in turn, directly impacts the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Key highlights from the new safety regulations include:

• Worker Protections: Emphasizing the rights of workers who decline tasks perceived as dangerous, ensuring their well-being and reducing potential environmental incidents.
• Collaboration: Mandating coordination between refinery management and worker representatives, fostering open communication and collective decision-making.
• Incident Analysis: Introduction of procedures to understand and learn from near-misses and analyze hazardous occurrences to prevent future incidents.

“Our mission has always been to preserve the nature of Commencement Bay. With these new safety regulations, we are one step closer to ensuring a safer and cleaner environment for both our natural habitats and the communities surrounding them,” said Melissa Malott, Executive Director of CHB. “Given the close proximity of the U.S. Oil refinery to our Tacoma community, these regulations hold immense significance. The ripple effect of any disaster here can be catastrophic, impacting both human lives and marine ecosystems.”

We have joined hands with the Blue Green Alliance, leaders in this rulemaking effort, to bring attention to these changes and ensure their swift implementation. The public comment period remains open until August 24. We encourage our supporters, community members, and concerned citizens to voice their opinions and stand with us in ensuring a safe and healthy future for Commencement Bay and its neighboring areas.

Learn more about these regulations and the formulation process, and ways to show support. Together, let’s take proactive steps to maintain the beauty and health of our bay.

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About CHB

Communities for a Healthy Bay is a community-based, environmental non-profit whose mission is to engage people in the cleanup, restoration and protection of Commencement Bay and surrounding waters of the South Sound. CHB’s work is driven by a passion for the natural environment and our community; by a steadfast commitment to good science, strategic action and organizational excellence; and by a conviction that together we can accomplish more.