THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES PAUL HILL AS CHAIR AND MEMBER OF THE CHEMICAL

SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

The President today announced his intent to nominate Paul Hill to serve as Chair and Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSHIB).

Mr. Paul Hill, of Charleston, West Virginia has been serving as Chair and Member of the CSHIB, since 1994. Dr. Hill has over 20 years of professional experience in chemical safety, regulation, and public policy development. From 1990-1997, Dr. Hill was President and CEO of the National Institute for Chemical Studies and Vice-President of the same organization from 1989-1990. From 1983 to 1989, Dr. Hill served the West Virginia State Government in several capacities: as Science Advisor to the West Virginia Water Resources Board from 1983 to 1987 and as Deputy Administrator of the Department of Natural Resources from 1987-1989. Dr. Hill has been a member of the nine-state Ohio River Sanitation Commission (1996-1997), the U.S. EPA Advisory Committee on the Clean Air Act (1996-1997), the Society for Risk Analysis (1991-1993), the National Association of Environmental Professionals (1990-1993), and the Chemical Industry Training in Occupational Safety and Health Consortium (1989-1991). Dr. Hill holds both B.S. and M.S. degrees from Marshall University and a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville.

The purpose of the CSHIB is to investigate chemical accidents and report the facts, conditions, and circumstances and the cause or probable cause of any accidental release resulting in a fatality, serious injury or substantial property damages. The Board shall make these reports to the public, Congress and the appropriate Federal agencies. The Board shall also work to reduce the consequences of chemical incidents and their occurrence through improved chemical processes, productions, handling and storage.

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