On Feb. 18, an explosion at a petroleum refinery in Big Spring, Texas, injured four workers (one with serious burns), shook buildings 20 miles away, and forced local authorities to close nearby schools, a local college and nearby Highway 20.

It could have been far worse. Three years ago, U.S. PIRG researchers urged the owners of the Big Spring refinery to take steps to prevent a chemical catastrophe.

In a report on the lack of safety and security at chemical facilities nationwide, we urged Alon USA to stop using hydrofluoric acid, a corrosive chemical that can form a toxic aerosol cloud when released into the environment. Had the accident at Big Spring triggered a release of hydrofluoric acid, the injury toll could have reached the hundreds or even thousands.

Despite the ready availability of safer alternatives, Big Spring has failed to eliminate hydrofluoric acid. And they’re not alone. Some 14,000 chemical plants, manufacturers or other facilities across the country use extremely hazardous substances. According to the EPA, 445 of them use chemicals so dangerous that an accident or terrorist attack could put more than 100,000 people in harm’s way.

For years, the American Chemistry Council has pressured members of Congress to stop short of requiring the industry to change its practices and make communities safer. But in March, 19 co-sponsors signed onto a U.S. PIRG-backed bill in the House that would do just that.

We helped shape the bill, and we’re urging more members of Congress to sign on in support. We’re also going to be there when key House and Senate committees hold hearings this spring on the bill.