ACS and partner societies call for additional chemical process safety experience on Chemical Safety Board

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November 11, 2021

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of our members, we urge you to nominate a candidate with chemical process safety experience to fill the remaining vacancy on the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). A broad range of expertise is required for the board to execute its mission of protecting people and the environment.

Credible and timely investigations lead to important safety recommendations that help reduce the likelihood of incidents recurring. Safety organizations, trade associations, corporations, educational institutions, and many others rely on these recommendations. Without a high-functioning CSB working under the guidance of a full Board, achieving these objectives is challenging at best.

While we appreciate efforts to fill the board and restore more typical operations to CSB, there remains a critical void in chemical process safety expertise on the board itself. Such a board member would provide a valuable interface between career staff, board members, and industry. We encourage consideration of a candidate from historically marginalized groups to provide diverse and innovative perspectives and input.  A well-rounded CSB will more effectively leverage CSB resources, close investigations more quickly, ensure all relevant views are heard and considered, and be more effective in community outreach.

 

Most Respectfully,

Dr. Thomas M. Connelly, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
American Chemical Society

Simon K. Shannon, Ph.D. MBA
Chair of the Board
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers

June Wispelwey
Chief Executive Officer
American Institute of Chemical Engineers

CC:          The Honorable Charles Schumer
                The Honorable Mitch McConnell
                The Honorable Thomas Carper
                The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito