KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — The federal agency investigating last month’s deadly chemical leak at the Ames Goldsmith plant could be eliminated under a proposal from President Donald Trump, raising alarms among worker‑safety advocates.
The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, which has probed eight major chemical incidents in West Virginia since 2008, is facing defunding despite its role in identifying root causes of industrial disasters. The recent leak killed two workers and injured dozens.
Advocates say the board’s investigations — which differ from OSHA and EPA enforcement — have led to more than 1,000 safety recommendations adopted by companies and regulators. They warn eliminating the agency would leave states like West Virginia more vulnerable to catastrophic incidents.
Former officials say the CSB fills a critical gap in federal oversight, especially as other workplace safety agencies face staffing shortages and proposed budget cuts.
