Trump Proposes to Eliminate the Only Federal Chemical Safety Agency Amid 825 Industrial Accidents

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has quietly proposed shutting down the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), the only federal agency dedicated to investigating industrial chemical explosions. With an annual budget of just $14 million, the CSB plays a critical role in uncovering the causes of hazardous chemical accidents, which occur every other day in the United States.

The proposal, buried in a 1,224-page budget document released on May 30, 2025, aims to completely defund the CSB for the 2026 fiscal year, redirecting its emergency fund of $844,000 toward closure costs. According to the Trump administration, this step is part of efforts to “redefine the role of the federal government” and reduce spending, but critics warn of severe consequences for public safety.

The CSB has been instrumental in investigating over 100 major chemical accidents since its founding in 1998, including the catastrophic Dow chemical plant explosion in 2023 that released over 30,000 pounds of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. Despite its limited budget, the agency’s work has led to key safety recommendations that have saved lives and improved industrial processes.

Environmental groups and former CSB officials have condemned the proposal. Beth Rosenberg, a former CSB board member, warned that shutting down the agency will lead to more explosions, injuries, and deaths, particularly in regions like the Gulf Coast, home to the majority of the country’s petrochemical facilities.

Meanwhile, community leaders from areas such as Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” fear the loss of the CSB will leave them even more vulnerable to industrial disasters. Roishetta Ozane, founder of an environmental justice group, stated, “We’re the ones forced to shelter in place or evacuate when accidents happen. Now there will be less oversight and accountability.”

The Trump administration argues that the CSB’s responsibilities overlap with those of agencies like OSHA and the EPA. However, experts disagree. Unlike OSHA or the EPA, the CSB looks at systemic causes of accidents, such as budget cuts, worker fatigue, and flawed corporate policies. Without the CSB, these deeper issues may go unaddressed.

Between 2021 and 2023, the U.S. witnessed 825 chemical-related incidents, resulting in 43 deaths and evacuations in nearly 200 communities. These numbers highlight the importance of maintaining a dedicated investigative body to prevent future disasters.

While the CSB’s closure is framed as a cost-saving measure, the potential risks to worker and community safety could far outweigh the modest financial savings. Critics argue that eliminating the CSB is not about fiscal responsibility but a broader effort to weaken regulatory oversight in favor of corporate interests.