While the Salt Institute has always been quietly aware of its unique influence with policy wonks and lawmakers, we could not quite believe the speed with which our blog was able to galvanize the machinery of government into action. On June 12, only two working days after our Peace Chlor article, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, urged all operators of water and waste treatment plants to secure chlorine supplies from terrorists , even though at present they are not required to do so. The July 13 Newsday account indicates that an estimated 3,000 drinking-water and wastewater treatment plants are listed in EPA documents as holding in excess of 2,500 pounds of chlorine gas, according to the Center for American Progress.

Although not specifically mentioned in his announcement, we suggest that the ideas expounded in The Peace Chlor be considered carefully.

The tone and content of the Secretary Chertoff's message, coming so soon after our blog was published leaves us little choice but to assume that Salt Sensibility is continually read at the highest levels of government and when an opportunity arises to act upon our foresight and advice, they do not hesitate to do so.

With that vote of confidence we shall continue providing our considered thoughts on all aspects of salt's benefits to humankind.