FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A congressional report shows Texas has the largest number of plants in the nation that use the most hazardous chemicals.
U.S. Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts released the report Thursday at a hearing on chemical safety and security, adding that facilities nationwide “remain vulnerable” following the deadly 2013 fertilizer plant explosion in the Texas town of West.
The report is based on data submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by facilities that use large quantities of highly flammable and toxic chemicals.
The report also says Texas has the largest number of plants that are in proximity to more than 1 million people.
Texas has 34 of the 89 plants.
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott has said that information about the location of such facilities should be withheld for security reasons.
