U.S. Chemical Safety Board Chairman Katherine Lemos Testifies at September 29th Hearing Protecting Communities from Industrial Accidents: Revitalizing the Chemical Safety Board
Washington, D.C., September 29, 2021 - Today Chairman Lemos was joined by Managing Director LaCerte for invited testimony before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee at a hearing regarding the important work of the agency.
Chairman Lemos said, “I want to emphasize my appreciation to Congress and specifically the subcommittee for continuing to support the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's (CSB's) work and mission,”
The CSB is the only federal agency tasked with independently investigating the causes of chemical accidents and making recommendations to prevent future incidents and fulfils an invaluable role to protect industry, workers and the environment. During testimony Chairman Lemos emphasized that she is proud to carry out that important mission and to continue to move the agency's work forward.
“I want to again thank the committee for their support and I look forward to working with them as I continue my tenure as CSB Chairperson. We still have a lot of work to do but I know that my team is up to the task.” said Chairman Lemos.
The CSB expects to bring four additional investigations forward for final legal review by the end of the calendar year. These investigations are Sunoco Logistics in Nederland, TX, Didion Milling from Cambria, WI, Biolab Conyers, from Conyers GA, and Loy Lange Box Company in St. Lewis, MO.
Managing Director LaCerte said, "This backlog of investigations was not created overnight, and it will not be fully addressed overnight. Some of these investigations have sat dormant for over five years through multiple administrations. This is unacceptable. Our outstanding mission team is working hard to bring these investigations to completion through improved process and enhanced staffing to improve the safety of the nation’s workforce, our communities, and the environment.”
The CSB is an independent, non-regulatory federal agency whose mission is to drive chemical safety change through independent investigations to protect people and the environment. The agency’s board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical incidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. For more information, contact [email protected].