Stupid or incompetent? Attorney General Greg Abbott now sees challenges over data on chemicals
AUSTIN Attorney General Greg Abbott conceded Wednesday that getting information about dangerous chemicals in Texas is challenging, after earlier suggesting that people can easily learn whether they live near places that store potentially explosive substances.
Abbott, the Republican nominee for governor, has faced criticism from Democratic opponent Wendy Davis and open records advocates since his office ruled in May that locations of some facilities storing dangerous chemicals such as ammonium nitrate remain confidential.
A stockpile of ammonium nitrate fueled a massive explosion in West last year that killed 15 people and injured 200 others. The substance is widely used in agricultural fertilizers and is stored in facilities around Texas.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Abbott called the ruling by his office a win-win saying people know where the places are if they drive around and then ask companies whether they have chemicals under federal right-to-know laws.
More at http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20140702-attorney-general-greg-abbott-now-sees-challenges-over-data-on-chemicals.ece .