N.C. House Takes Up Chemical Safety Bill

Representatives passed a NCPIRG-backed chemical safety bill (H 36) in response to an explosion in Apex in October of 2006. The public and first responders were unaware of the types of chemical in the plant and the dangers posed by those chemicals.

“This bill will improve safety in and around chemical plants for the public, plant employees, and first responders by providing them with the information they need to make safe, effective decisions,” said NCPIRG’s Rob Thompson.

The bill requires owners of chemical plants like the one in Apex to work with local governments to develop emergency plans. It also requires plant operators to provide information about the contents of the plant to first responders and surrounding communities. Furthermore, chemical plants will now be held fiscally responsible for any future accidents to ensure that taxpayers aren’t forced to pay for the clean up.

While NCPIRG celebrates the passage of this important bill, more work needs to be done to replace the most dangerous chemicals in our communities with safer alternatives—the only way to prevent another Apex.