Statement of Robin Schneider, Executive Director of Texas Campaign for the Environment on the Signing of HB 942 – the Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer Safety Law
Slightly more than two years ago, the town of West suffered a terrible preventable accident when an ammonium nitrate fertilizer facility blew up killing 15 people and injuring scores more. Thankfully, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 942 today which can help prevent tragedies such as the one in West.
Texas Campaign for the Environment generated hundreds of letters from Texans in support of HB 942 and helped mobilize West residents in support of the bill. We congratulate State Rep. Kyle Kacal and State Senator Brian Birdwell for their work on this law, as well as West Mayor Tommy Muska and other local leaders who worked for its passage.
We are fully aware, however, that Texans face many other threats from facilities that manufacture, transport and store dangerous chemicals. We hope that the Governor and State Legislature will work to prevent other disasters and protect the lives, health and property of Texas residents.