Promoters of the Toxic Right to Know ballot initiative collected enough signatures to get the measure on the November ballot and are gearing up to get it passed. It's hard to argue that citizens should not have the right to know what chemicals are being released into their environment. Even President Clinton has put the issue on his agenda.

Eugene has awakened to the fact that tons of toxics are currently being released here and proponents don't want to wait for Clinton. The Chamber of Commerce, however, is opposed to the idea and is spending $2500 to recount the signatures gathered, though they've been informed that the measure's spot on the ballot is assured even if the recount falls short.

The proposed charter amendment requires industries employing 10 or more workers and producing more than 2,640 pounds of chemical waste annually to make an annual report listing inputs and outputs of all hazardous substances manufactured, obtained, used, transported and stored. The information would then be available at the Eugene Library. A Toxics Board will be appointed to enforce and implement the act, at no expense to the public. Costs will be born by to businesses covered by the measure.

Opponents of the measure call it redundant and burdensome, claiming the information is already available to the public. Steve Johnson, campaign chair, responds that there's only about a 10% overlap in what is currently reported and what the measure calls for, and to obtain what information is available, people would have to contact several agencies and, in some cases, be required to pay fees.