Despite deadly Washington implosion, chemical industry poised to see less government oversight
Recent chemical incidents in Washington and California highlight significant gaps in federal safety regulations. The Trump administration is attempting to roll back reforms to the EPA's Risk Management Program, which is designed to prevent chemical disasters. Experts warn that understaffing and outdated regulations could exacerbate risks to communities and workers.
- ▪Six bodies were recovered from a paper mill in Washington after a chemical tank implosion.
- ▪The Trump administration is seeking to roll back safety reforms and shut down the safety board investigating chemical incidents.
- ▪Experts have noted that the EPA's Risk Management Program has been understaffed for years and does not adequately cover high-risk chemicals.
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Science NewsDespite deadly Washington implosion, chemical industry poised to see less government oversightThe Trump administration is attempting to roll back reforms to the EPA program designed to prevent chemical disasters — and to shut down the safety board that investigates them.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleSix bodies recovered from Washington paper mill after chemical tank implosion02:09Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 29, 2026, 9:34 PM EDTBy Evan BushTwo major chemical crises in the last week — the deadly implosion at a paper mill in Washington and the damaged tank that caused a multiday evacuation in Southern California — reveal long-standing gaps in the federal systems meant to protect communities and workers.Subscribe…
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