Grassroots Chemical Security Letters Help Persuade Congress, Says Socma

The US House of Representatives has passed the Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009 (HR 2868) by 230 to 193 votes. Over 21 Democrats joined all 172 Republicans in voting to oppose the bill. Socma Connect conducted extensive advocacy to urge lawmakers to vote against the bill.

Cumulatively, members of Socma’s grassroots network sent over 115 letters to the House. The letters explained the negative impacts of the Inherently Safer Technology (IST) provision.

Socma claims that these efforts likely influenced the votes of some members of Congress. Two of the Democrats who initially supported this legislation were specifically targeted by Socma Connect. Republican Marion Berry (AR-1) and Mike Ross (AR-4) ultimately changed their positions. Socma Connect’s grassroots effort is said to be effective in educating elected officials.