Texas experienced 27 chemical incidents in the first half of 2023 — nearly a quarter of those experienced in the United States.
Data compiled by the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters counted over 100 chemical accidents in the U.S. in 2023 so far, with Texas holding the largest share. At the current rate, 2023 is set to experience the largest number of chemical incidents since data were first compiled in 2021. The data show that on average, a chemical fire, explosion, or toxic release occurs every two days in the U.S.
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The data are taken from local reports, and it covers a broader scope of incidents than official databases, which don’t include facilities not covered by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Program.
The deluge incidents has led various groups to call for increased safety regulations regarding chemical storage and transport facilities.
“The EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) rule regulates around 12,000 facilities in the U.S. that use or store highly hazardous chemicals, and is intended to prevent chemical disasters,” the CPCD wrote. “But chemical incidents including fires, explosions and toxic releases are occurring far too frequently every year, harming workers and communities.”
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It added, “Over 100 organizations have urged the EPA to further strengthen its proposal in key ways ‘to fully satisfy the law and the agency’s core commitments on environmental justice, worker safety, and climate change.'”
Chemical accidents have gotten renewed national attention this year after the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train that was carrying toxic chemicals in February.
