https://cen.acs.org/safety/industrial-safety/Chemical-Safety-Board-faces-uncertain/98/i5
The Chemical Safety Board faces an uncertain future despite strong backing
Now down to two members, the board will have none come August
Representatives of the chemical industry, worker unions, and professional engineers, as well as senators from both parties, voiced support for the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) at a Senate oversight hearing Jan. 29.
Opinions at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing stood in sharp contrast to those of President Donald J. Trump, who has tried to defund and eliminate the CSB three times. So far, Congress has continued funding.
However, the board will shortly be down to one memberâ??current Interim Executive Authority Kristen Kulinowski. Manny Ehrlichâ??s term expired in January, and Rick Englerâ??s term expires Feb. 6. Kulinowskiâ??s term expires in August.
The board investigates chemically related industrial accidents to determine their root cause. As part of that effort, it provides advice and recommendations to companies, regulators, and others on how to avoid or at least mitigate accidents.
The CSB is unique in that it lacks regulatory authority; its only power is its ability to cast a bright light on cause. It was created 30 years ago after public criticism of US regulatory bodiesâ?? ability to adequately investigate chemical accidents.
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