For more information, go to: 2006 Performance and Accountability Report

Washington, DC, November 16, 2006 - For the sixth consecutive year, an independent audit has produced an unqualified, or "clean," opinion of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board's financial statements, which is the best possible audit outcome.

The results were published yesterday in the agency's annual Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) for fiscal year 2006. The CSB has received a clean audit opinion each and every year since the first independent audit was conducted in fiscal year 2001.

"The CSB takes pride in our careful stewardship of the funds entrusted to us by the American taxpayer," said CSB Chairman Carolyn W. Merritt. "Our sixth consecutive clean financial audit - a rare accomplishment throughout the federal sector - is a tribute to the exceptional dedication, diligence, and discipline of our financial management staff, leadership team, and board."

The Accountability of Tax Dollars Act of 2002 requires small agencies, such as the CSB, to submit audited financial statements to the Congress and the Office of Management and Budget.

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 regulations, industry standards, and management systems.

The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and government agencies. Visit our website, www.CSB.gov.

For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Horowitz, Director of Public Affairs, 202-261-7613, cell 202-441-6074.