Texas Republicans Helped Chemical Plant That Exploded Lobby Against Safety Rules
Texas Republicans Helped Chemical Plant That Exploded Lobby Against Safety Rules
BY DAVID SIROTA @DAVIDSIROTA AND ALEX KOTCH @ALEXKOTCH AND JAY CASSANO @JCASSANO AND JOSH KEEFE @THEJOSHKEEFE ON 08/31/17 AT 1:20 PM
The French company that says its Houston-area chemical plant is spewing "noxious" smoke and may explode successfully pressed federal regulators to delay new regulations designed to improve safety procedures at chemical plants, according to federal records reviewed by International Business Times. The rules, which were set to go into effect this year, were halted by the Trump administration after a furious lobbying campaign by plant owner Arkema and its affiliated trade association, the American Chemistry Council, which represents a chemical industry that has poured tens of millions of dollars into federal elections.
The effort to stop the chemical plant safety rules was backed by top Texas Republican lawmakers, who have received big campaign donations from chemical industry donors.
Cornyn has taken more than $408,000 from the chemical industry over the course of his career, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Cruz has received $234,000 from the industry. The National Institute on Money In State Politics reports that the American Chemistry Council has given more to federal lawmakers in Texas than legislators in any other state.
http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/texas-republicans-helped-chemical-plant-exploded-lobby-against-safety-rules
