GAO Report Recommends EPA Consider Risks from Climate Change to RMP Facilities

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently has published a report in which it recommends EPA issue regulations, guidance, or both to clarify requirements and provide direction to Risk Management Plan (RMP) facilities on incorporating natural hazards and climate change into their risk management programs.

GAO was asked to review climate change risks at RMP facilities, which include water treatment plants and chemical manufactures, among other types of entities. According to it resulting report, there are over 11,000 RMP facilities across the country that have hazardous chemicals in amounts that could harm people, property, or the environment if accidentally released. GAO noted that federal data on flooding, storm surge, wildfire, and sea level rise – natural hazards that may be exacerbated by climate change – indicate that over 3,200 of the 10,420 facilities analyzed, or about 31 percent, are located in areas with these natural hazards. With more frequent and intense extreme weather and climate-related events expected to continue to damage infrastructure, improvements in RMP climate resilience are necessary. GAO made six recommendations, which EPA agreed with. But EPA said the ongoing RMP rulemaking process will affect its timeline for implementation. EPA stated the agency plans to develop materials and products on risks from natural hazards and climate change, such as compliance assistance and guidance, as appropriate, based on the provisions in the final rule, which is scheduled to be published in 2023. Read the report at GAO and a relevant article at Homeland Security Today.