(Washington, DC – July 18, 2002) Carolyn Merritt, President Bush’s nominee to chair the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), told a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing today that if confirmed she would work "to further improve the safety and security of people, property and vital productivity."

The Board has had two vacancies, including the position of Chairperson, for the past two years. If Ms. Merritt and fellow nominee John Bresland are confirmed, the Board would have all five seats filled for the first time in its five year history.

Mr. Bresland told Committee Chairman Senator James Jeffords (I-VT) he would work to increase investigative output and improve agency management and recommendations advocacy. "The goal of these priority actions, of course, will be an improvement in chemical plant process safety—saving lives and protecting the environment."

Senator Jeffords questioned both nominees on how the CSB could contribute to homeland security relating to chemical sites. Both nominees expressed a willingness to work with Committee on site security, inherently safer design and siting issues. Like Ms. Merritt, Mr. Bresland has an extensive background in the chemical industry. Ms. Merritt served as Senior Vice President for Environment, Health, and Safety for IMC Global, while Mr. Bresland held a variety of management posts with Honeywell, formerly Allied Chemical.

Board Member Dr. Gerald Poje, who manages the agency pending the confirmation of a Chairperson, said he welcomed moves to bring the agency to full strength. "The current Board Members have had productive discussions with both Ms. Merritt and Mr. Bresland, and I look forward to the Senate’s action on these nominations. Together with the hiring of our new Chief Operating Officer, Charles Jeffress, the nominations of Ms. Merritt and Mr. Bresland mark a critical milestone in the agency’s development."

For further information, contact Robert Wager at (202) 261-7600.