MAY 21, 2015
AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP)
Texas lawmakers have sent to Gov. Greg Abbott a bill meant
to strengthen regulations for storing the chemical fertilizer that caused a
fatal explosion in West in 2013.
The Senate gave final approval Thursday to requiring
ammonium nitrate be kept separate from combustible material. The bill also
grants the state fire marshal new powers to inspect businesses that store the
chemical and issue citations.
Businesses would have 10 days to fix problems or face
penalties.
Companies also would be required to give multiple state
agencies and local emergency officials’ reports on what chemicals they store.
The Texas Commission on Environment Quality would make those records public.
Fifteen people were killed in West explosion.