As Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey ravaged communities along the Gulf coast, dangerous chemical facilities were often overrun by flood waters and spilled toxic chemicals into nearby waterways — harming frontline, environmental justice communities the most. And with horrific natural disasters becoming more frequent and more intense with worsening climate change, we need action now.

The EPA is finally proposing a rule requiring chemical facilities to have strong spill response plans in place to protect communities from water pollution and drinking water contamination from hazardous substances during extreme weather events.

This proposal is more than 30 years overdue. In 1990, Congress mandated the EPA to issue regulations under the Clean Water Act that would require dangerous facilities that store hazardous substances to develop prevention and response plans when toxic chemical spills can threaten the waters of nearby communities. The EPA did nothing for three decades, so NRDC and its partners, the Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform and Clean Water Action, sued, and won.

Now, we need your help: EPA is accepting comments from the public on the “Worst Case Discharge” rule but only until July 26. Urge the EPA to make the rule as strong as possible — and finalize it without delay.