Update: EPA actions—chemical safety and security Executive Order. Issue 2 (23rd September 2014) - Jennings, Kim
Abstract On August 1, 2013, the President signed Executive Order (EO) 13650 designed to improve the safety and security of chemical facilities and reduce the risks of hazardous chemicals to workers and communities. The Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security EO, triggered by incidents such as the devastating explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas in April, 2013, directed 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. Considerable work was devoted to these issues over a 10‐month period and on June 6, 2014, the final report, "Executive Order 13650: Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment. Report for the President" was released to the public. The report highlights current activities to improve chemical safety and security and provides a plan for moving forward in five thematic areas: Strengthening community planning and preparedness; Enhancing Federal operations and coordination; Improving data management; Modernizing policies and regulations; and Incorporating stakeholder feedback and developing best practices. This article provides a brief update on current and future activities at the US Environmental Protection Agency under this EO Report to the President. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Process Saf Prog 34: 196–198, 2015