For more information, go to: CSB Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Justification

Washington, DC, February 10, 2006 - The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) proposed its fiscal year (FY) 2007 budget this week, asking Congress for $9.5 million, an increase of $440,000 above the FY 2006 enacted level of $9.06 million.

CSB Board Member John S. Bresland said, "The past year has been one of remarkable impact for the agency, marked by the initiation of the most complex and expensive investigation in CSB history. The March 23, 2005, explosion and fire at the BP America Texas City refinery was the worst chemical accident in fifteen years, causing fifteen fatalities, more than 170 injuries, and almost $2 billion in economic losses. The CSB is committed to working for the prevention of such tragedies, and our budget request will allow further progress in this life-saving mission."

The budget provides for continued funding of current CSB staff and programs, as well as filling two vacant seats on the agency's five-member Board. The budget proposal points to seven serious chemical accidents that occurred in FY 2005 that the Board did not investigate due to "a lack of available personnel or resources" and states that "the Board believes that the public interest would be served by conducting root-cause investigations of a greater proportion of such serious accidents."

The budget request was transmitted to House and Senate Appropriations Committees on Monday, February 6. By law, the Board submits its annual budget request independently from other executive branch agencies.

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in safety management systems, regulations, and industry standards.

The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Visit our website, www.csb.gov.

For more information, contact Director of Public Affairs Dr. Daniel Horowitz, (202) 261-7613 / (202) 441-6074 cell or Government and Public Affairs Specialist Kara Wenzel (202) 261-7642 / (202) 577-8448 cell.