Trump officials move to kill system that protects US from chemical disasters

3 hours ago

The Trump administration is dismantling the EPA's Response Management Program (RMP), which regulates high-risk chemical facilities to prevent disasters.
The Biden administration strengthened RMP rules in 2024, but industry groups are pushing the Trump EPA to roll them back, citing high costs.
The Trump EPA has removed a public website disclosing chemical facility hazards and is targeting the Chemical Safety Board.
Chemical accidents occur frequently in the U.S., with recent incidents causing injuries and environmental damage.
Critics argue the Trump administration prioritizes industry profits over public safety, endangering 180 million people living near hazardous facilities.
The EPA claims its revisions maintain core protections while removing redundant or unproven requirements.
The RMP was established in 1990 after global chemical disasters, requiring safety measures like leak detection and emergency response plans.
Obama-era rules improved disaster prevention, but Trump delayed implementation before Biden reinstated and enhanced them.
New rules mandate updated safety tech, backup measures, and safer chemical alternatives, but Trump's proposal removes many requirements.
Workers gain more rights under the 2024 rule, including emergency training and hazard reporting, but Trump's plan weakens worker protections.
The EPA removed public access to chemical facility data, citing security concerns, but advocates call it a pretext for reduced transparency.

Hasty Briefsbeta