EPA & ACC Battle, CSB’s Lessons from Deadly Incidents, BASF’s New CEO

EPA & ACC Battle, CSB’s Lessons from Deadly Incidents, BASF’s New CEO

April 4, 2025
Executive Editor Jonathan Katz breaks down the important news that happened in March 2025.

A power shift is underway at the EPA as former American Chemistry Council representatives are positioned to assume key roles under the Trump administration, potentially reshaping the agency's regulatory approach. Meanwhile, safety concerns remain paramount as the U.S. Chemical Safety Board continues investigating a deadly reactor explosion at a Louisville food additive plant that claimed two workers' lives. The CSB has also released new reports analyzing recent industrial accidents to prevent future incidents. In corporate news, major chemical and energy companies including BASF, Chevron, DuPont, and Shell have announced significant executive leadership changes that could influence industry direction in the coming months.

Scientific Battle Between EPA and ACC Enters New Phase Under Trump
Former American Chemistry Council representatives seem poised to reshape key EPA positions.

CSB Shares Update on Fatal Kentucky Plant Explosion
U.S. Chemical Safety Board continues its investigation into the reactor explosion at a Louisville food additive plant that killed two workers.

CSB Issues Latest Reports Highlighting Safety Issues
Agency releases updates on major investigations, highlighting safety lessons from recent industrial accidents.

The Business Side: Personnel Moves at BASF, Chevron, DuPont and Shell
Here’s a roundup of key executive moves at major companies in the chemical and energy industries.

About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Executive Editor

Jonathan Katz, executive editor, brings nearly two decades of experience as a B2B journalist to Chemical Processing magazine. He has expertise on a wide range of industrial topics. Jon previously served as the managing editor for IndustryWeek magazine and, most recently, as a freelance writer specializing in content marketing for the manufacturing sector.

His knowledge areas include industrial safety, environmental compliance/sustainability, lean manufacturing/continuous improvement, Industry 4.0/automation and many other topics of interest to the Chemical Processing audience.

When he’s not working, Jon enjoys fishing, hiking and music, including a small but growing vinyl collection.

Jon resides in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.

Sponsored Recommendations

Keys to Improving Safety in Chemical Processes (PDF)

Many facilities handle dangerous processes and products on a daily basis. Keeping everything under control demands well-trained people working with the best equipment.

Get Hands-On Training in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment

Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...

Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector (Video)

See how Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector helps keep workers safe with ultra-fast response times to detect hydrocarbon gases before they can create dangerous situations.

Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Configurable Inputs and Outputs Transmitter

The Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Transmitter offers a compact C1D1 (Zone 1) housing. Bluetooth and Smart Meter Verification are available.