President Barack Obama has signed
an Executive Order to improve the safety and security of chemical facilities and reduce the risks of hazardous chemicals to workers and communities. According to the White House, incidents such as the devastating explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, TX, in April 2013 are "tragic reminders that the handling and storage of chemicals present serious risks that must be addressed."
The Executive Order on Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security directs the federal government to:
- improve operational coordination with state and local partners;
- enhance federal agency coordination and information sharing;
- modernize policies, regulations and standards; and
- work with stakeholders to identify best practices.
Find a fact sheet on the Executive Order
here.
