Summary: More than a decade ago, a chemical spill in Bhopal, India, killed or injured thousands and displaced many more from their homes and businesses. The magnitude of this event, along with the potential for similar accidents in the United States, resulted in legislation that gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a central role in implementing chemical accident safety policy. GAO found that EPA had vigorous programs for accident preparedness and response. Recent legislation, however, has shifted the agency's primary focus to preventing chemical accidents. Through risk management planning, EPA has undertaken several efforts to further the prevention of accidents, including collaboration with industry and professional associations. EPA has developed a large repository of information on accident prevention. A major barrier to preventing accidents, though, remains the relative lack of involvement of community residents and some industry sectors. To maximize the potential for accident prevention, information that facilitates prevention must be made available and used by industry and communities.
