(Article changed on April 21, 2013 at 11:51)
Chicago
The radio ads almost sound like a joke. "Ecsape" to Texas Gov. Rick Perry exhorts Illinois businesses (exchanging the position of the "s" and the "c" in "escape") even as Texas reels under one of the biggest industrial accidents in its history. Fourteen died and 200 were injured by a fire and explosion at West Chemical and Fertilizer Company in West, TX this week.
You'd think the ads which began this week, telling business
owners to move to Texas, would be pulled because of the disaster. You'd be
wrong. Leave the anti-business state of Illinois, say the ads, and relocate in
Texas where taxes are low and government won't interfere with your business.
Authorities have not yet released the cause of the explosion
at West Chemical and Fertilizer Company in West, TX which annihilated entire
swaths of the small town and leveled homes. But the plant is a stellar example
of Perry's promise that your business won't be hassled by government regulation
if you move to Texas.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration records show that the last time West Chemical and Fertilizer Company was inspected was 28 years ago. The inspection, in 1985, revealed "serious" violations says the New York Times including improper storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia. For the safety violations, West Chemical and Fertilizer Company was fined"$30. Ouch
The plant did not comply with current state regulations because it is so old--built in 1962--that it was grandfathered in, says the Times . Last year, West Chemical and Fertilizer Company was fined by the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for more anhydrous ammonia violations.
In 2006, neighbors complained to authorities about strong
ammonia smells but the plant was subsequently granted two air permits, reports
the Times.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
