ACS Joins Letter Requesting Robust Funding For Chemical Safety Board

July 3, 2025

Dear Chairwoman Collins, Ranking Member Murray, Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro,

On behalf of the American Chemical Society (ACS), American Chemistry Council (ACC) and American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), we respectfully urge you support robust funding of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) in Fiscal Year 2026, in line with the Fiscal Year 2025 request of $17.4 million. This funding is essential for the CSB to continue fulfilling its critical mission of advancing chemical safety across the nation.

The ACS and AIChE collectively represent more than 200,000 chemists, chemical engineers, and professionals across the chemistry enterprise. Meanwhile, the ACC represents the manufacturers, transporters, and suppliers who drive the economic engine forward. Together, we are strongly committed to advancing safety throughout the chemical industry and view the CSB as an essential partner in achieving this mission.

The CSB plays a unique and indispensable role by conducting root cause investigations of chemical incidents, identifying safety gaps, and issuing actionable recommendations. Since its establishment, the Board has responded to over 170 incidents and issued more than 1000 recommendations that have informed safety practices across industry, academia, and government. In addition to incident investigations, the CSB also examines broader chemical hazards, offering proactive insights that help prevent future tragedies.

Despite its critical responsibilities and enormous return on investment, the CSB has been only modestly funded. That funding is urgently needed to ensure the agency can maintain adequate staffing and continue its investigative work. In FY 2024 CSB initiated seven new investigations in CA, LA, TN, VA, and GA and approved and released six incident reports.

As the appropriations process moves forward, we respectfully request that the Senate work with the House to provide the necessary resources for the CSB to continue protecting workers, communities, and the environment.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

American Chemical Society

American Chemistry Council

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

CC:

The Honorable Lisa Murkowski
The Honorable Jeff Merkley
The Honorable Mike Simpson
The Honorable Chellie Pingree