Texas had 27 chemical incidents in H1 2023, accounting for almost 25% of national cases.

Texas Leads in Chemical Incidents in the United States

According to data compiled by the Coalition​ to Prevent Chemical Disasters, Texas has experienced 27 chemical incidents in the first half of 2023, accounting for nearly a quarter of all incidents⁤ in the United States.

This year, there have been⁢ over 100 chemical accidents reported in the U.S. so far, with Texas having the highest number. If this trend continues, 2023 ‌will witness the highest number of chemical incidents since data collection began in 2021. Shockingly, on average, a chemical fire, explosion, or toxic ​release occurs every two days in⁣ the country.

Concerns Over Safety Regulations

The data⁣ collected by the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters includes incidents not covered by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk‌ Management Program, providing⁤ a broader scope of information than official databases.

Given the​ alarming number of incidents, various groups are calling for stricter safety regulations for chemical storage and transport facilities. The EPA’s Risk Management‍ Program currently regulates around ⁣12,000 facilities in the U.S. that handle highly hazardous chemicals, aiming to prevent chemical disasters. However,​ the⁣ frequency⁣ of ⁤chemical incidents, including fires, explosions, and⁤ toxic releases, indicates the need for further‌ action to protect‌ workers and communities.

Over 100 organizations⁢ have urged the EPA to strengthen its proposal to ensure compliance with the law and‌ the agency’s commitments​ on ⁢environmental justice, worker safety, and climate change.

The ⁤recent derailment of a ⁤Norfolk Southern train carrying‍ toxic chemicals in February has ​also‍ brought renewed national attention to the issue of chemical accidents.

Click here for more⁣ information from The Washington​ Examiner.

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