A new dataset released by PEER shows that accidental chemical releases causing injuries or deaths have risen by nearly 50 percent in recent years. The figures emerged after a lawsuit forced the Chemical Safety Board to disclose industrial releases under the Clean Air Act, following a 2019 court ruling that communities must know nearby hazards.

Trump’s EPA dismantled a public data tool last year that warned residents about nearby chemical risks, and it has also stalled funding for the Chemical Safety Board. Earlier this year, the administration floated a plan to trim the RMP rules finalized in 2024, citing a desire to cut regulatory burden.

The Biden EPA’s strengthened rules demand safer‑alternative analyses, independent accident‑cause reviews, worker input on prevention plans, and climate‑adaptation prep. An EPA spokesperson said the agency’s review of reportable incidents from 2014‑2023 shows a clear decline, implying industry prevention programs succeeded before the 2024 rule. PEER’s Ruch disputes that claim.

Despite statistical trends, chemical incidents that trigger evacuations or multiple casualties happen at least once a week. Ruch warns that aging infrastructure amplifies risk while federal response shrinks. The gap between data and action underscores a widening safety deficit that threatens communities across the country.