AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce The East Palestine , Ohio derailment wasn’t an anomaly and could have been prevented 100%. Why aren’t citizens effected by toxic waste and leaks more vocal about the harm caused to their Community health? The EPA has proposed new rules to prevent the release of toxic gasses and fluids into the atmosphere. These rules don’t go far enough to protect people. Yet, they are opposed by Lobbyists and the Chamber of Commerce. Wherever petrochemicals are manufactured or carried by a pipeline there is a chance for leakage into the environment. Texas, Louisiana and California are most prone to accidents involving toxic materials. When will EPA enact strict guidelines, limiting our exposure to toxins? When will Congressional Laws mandate prevention of toxic waste and leakage? When will Congress penalize the Petrochemical Industry for harms to our environment and our health? #PoliticsAffectsUs

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www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/25/revealed-us-chemical-accidents-one-every-two-days-average

Accident rates are particularly high for petroleum and coal manufacturing and chemical manufacturing facilities, according to the EPA. The most accidents logged were in Texas, followed by Louisiana and California.

The 10 states with the most accidents from 2004 to 2020

Number of accidents at facilities handling hazardous chemicals tracked by the EPA

0

100

200

300

400

Texas

Louisiana

California

Illinois

Iowa

Ohio

Arkansas

Florida

Kansas

Pennsylvania

Guardian graphic. Source: EPA.

Though industry representatives say the rate of accidents is trending down, worker and community advocates disagree. They say incomplete data and delays in reporting incidents give a false sense of improvement.

The EPA itself says that by several measurements, accidents at facilities are becoming worse: evacuations, sheltering and the average annual rate of people seeking medical treatment stemming from chemical accidents are on the rise. Total annual costs are approximately $477m, including costs related to injuries and deaths.

“Accidental releases remain a significant concern,” the EPA said.

In August, the EPA proposed several changes to the Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations that apply to plants dealing with hazardous chemicals. The rule changes reflect the recognition by EPA that many chemical facilities are located in areas that are vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis, including power outages, flooding, hurricanes and other weather events.

The proposed changes include enhanced emergency preparedness, increased public access to information about hazardous chemicals risks communities face and new accident prevention requirements.

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