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EPA scales back rules put in place after deadly 2013 blast at Texas fertilizer plant

The Obama era rules came after a 2013 fire caused an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company, killing 15 people and injuring more than 260.
Credit: AP
FILE - A smashed car sits in front of an apartment complex destroyed by an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, as firefighters conduct a search and rescue Thursday, April 18, 2013.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Trump administration is scaling back chemical plant safety measures that were put in place after a Texas fertilizer plant explosion in 2013 that killed 15 people.

The changes announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency include ending a requirement that plants provide members of the public information about chemical risks upon request.

The Obama era rules followed a fire at the West Fertilizer Co. plant that caused ammonium nitrate to ignite, triggering a massive explosion that ripped open a large crater. Ten firefighters were among those killed.

EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler says the changes do away with “unnecessary administrative burdens.” Chemical manufacturers had pushed for the changes.

RELATED: West memorial dedicated to 15 people killed in 2013 explosion

RELATED: Could the West fertilizer plant explosion be affecting your health years later? Study aims to find out

Environmental groups criticized the decision as one that would put people living near chemical plants at greater risk.

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