The number of US chemical accidents has surged by at least 51% since 2021, coinciding with the Trump administration's rollback of safety regulations, according to a report by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Peer). The analysis highlights a troubling trend in industrial safety, particularly after recent high-profile incidents in California and Washington.
Recent Increases in Chemical Incidents
The report reveals that from 2021 to 2025, chemical accidents—including explosions and fires—rose from 83 to 131. Deaths and injuries associated with these incidents also increased by at least 20%, with fatalities rising from 60 to 89 during the same period.
Notable incidents included a malfunctioning chemical tank in Garden Grove, California, which forced the evacuation of over 40,000 residents, and the collapse of a chemical tank in Longview, Washington, resulting in 11 worker deaths. Tim Whitehouse, Peer’s executive director, stated, "Serious chemical accidents are becoming an almost daily occurrence."
Impact of Regulatory Rollbacks
Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires high-risk facilities to develop safety protocols to prevent chemical disasters. However, the Trump administration has aimed to dismantle these safeguards, even as incidents rise. The Biden administration attempted to strengthen these regulations in 2024, but ongoing efforts by the Trump administration threaten to reverse these protections.
- 83 chemical accidents reported in 2021
- 131 chemical accidents reported in 2025
- Deaths and injuries up by at least 20%
- Over 40,000 residents evacuated in Garden Grove incident
- 11 workers killed in Longview tank collapse
Calls for Stronger Regulations
Experts are urging for stronger regulations to protect communities and workers near chemical facilities. Marc Boom, a former EPA policy adviser, emphasized that the current administration is shifting the risks of chemical disasters from companies to local residents, stating, "This report makes plain what communities, workers and first responders already know: chemical disasters are happening far too often, and are too often undercounted."
Despite the clear need for enhanced safety measures, the Trump administration's efforts to weaken regulations continue, raising concerns about the safety of more than 12,500 high-risk chemical facilities across the US. About 40% of Americans live within three miles of these sites, prompting fears for their safety.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Business. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
