While there is no clear causal connection, if Republicans efforts to eliminate safety boards are successful, there will be no way to answer the question. And that is the point.
Google AI Summary
Based on reports from 2025, a range of industrial explosions and accidents has occurred across different sectors, including biofuels, manufacturing, and refineries. Multiple sources have also highlighted concerns about potential deregulation, particularly regarding the budget of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and proposed changes by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), though a direct causal link between deregulation and specific 2025 incidents is a matter of debate.
Recent industrial explosions and concerns over deregulation
Chevron Refinery fire (California, 2025): In October 2025, an explosion at Chevron's El Segundo refinery caused a significant fire, though no fatalities were reported. Some sources, including the World Socialist Web Site, attribute the disaster to a "bipartisan dismantling of safety regulations" and corporate cost-cutting measures. A lawsuit filed by the law firm Arnold & Itkin for an injured worker claims that with "deregulation and weak enforcement," chemical plants have become more dangerous.
Biofuels explosion (Fremont, Nebraska): On July 29, an explosion and fire at a Horizon Biofuels facility killed an operator and his two young daughters.
Tennessee munitions plant explosion (2025): An explosion at a military and industrial explosives plant in Tennessee in October 2025 left 19 people missing. In a Facebook post, CNN noted that officials were investigating the large blast.
U.S. Steel Clairton plant explosion (Pennsylvania, 2025): The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released preliminary findings on a deadly explosion that occurred in September 2025. The federal government shutdown in October 2025 reportedly impacted the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) ability to investigate the Chevron refinery explosion (Republicans were already planning to eliminate the board)
Recent regulatory changes: In July 2025, OSHA announced a major deregulatory initiative, proposing to revise or eliminate numerous workplace safety and health regulations. This follows an executive order issued in February 2025, and some of the changes include limiting OSHA's ability to cite employers under the General Duty Clause for "inherently risky" activities.
Impact on enforcement: Some experts and organizations, such as the organization Public Citizen, have expressed concern that less regulation and oversight will lead to increased workplace injury and fatality rates. Critics also note that reduced enforcement can foster complacency among companies, which could increase the risk of accidents.
Historical context: Environmental and consumer safety advocates have raised concerns over industrial deregulation for decades. An op-ed by Earthjustice, for example, points out that chemical incidents occurred every 2.5 days on average between 2004 and 2020, and that repealing safety protections will make chemical fires, explosions, and releases more likely.
Wish list for polluters: In December 2024, a group of industrial and business organizations sent a letter to President-Elect Trump requesting the rollback of dozens of rules. This prompted environmental and consumer safety advocates to warn of increased exposure to toxic chemicals and higher rates of illness and death.
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