The Local Emergency Planning Committee is a product of federal legislation that was passed in the wake of the Bhopal disaster in India, where more than 2,000 people died because of an accident involving accidental release of a hazardous chemical. To prevent similar occurrences in our own communities, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), also known as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III), in 1986.
EPCRA helps to increase public knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities, thier uses, and releases into the environment. LEPCs are volunteer organizations that consist of emergency responders, industry, government, education, media, and community groups. Their main functions are to provide for joint emergency planning, training, and public outreach. As a result, communities, working with industry, are better able to protect public health and the environment.
In Texas, there are 270 LEPCs, one for every county, with the exceptions of Crosby (2), and Harris (17) counties which have multiple LEPCs. In addition to multiple LEPC counties, several LEPCs throughout the state have combined (ex. Coastal Plain LEPC consists of San Patricio, Refugio, and Aransas counties).
Here in Nueces County, the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County are partners in an interlocal agreement which provides that the City administer the LEPC program for the entire county. The LEPC is administered through the Corpus Christi Fire Department, with Fire Chief Richard Hooks serving as the Chairperson.
Although the City and County provide some financial support, about 85% of the LEPCs operating budget comes from contributions provided by those who use, store, and manufacture chemicals in our county. This budget goes towards providing educational public outreach regarding personal emergency preparedness, especially as it relates to chemical accidents. In addition, portions of the funding goes towards providing training opportunities for responders and joint (government/industry) planning and exercise events.
The Local Emergency Planning Committee is a product of federal legislation that was passed in the wake of the Bhopal disaster in India, where more than 2,000 people died because of an accident involving accidental release of a hazardous chemical. To prevent similar occurrences in our own communities, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), also known as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III), in 1986. 
