*Q. I thought it was interesting that the data the EPA collects for the Toxic Release Inventory was given to the EPA by the industries. Why wouldn't the EPA want to collect this information itself to be certain. I assume it's a funding issue. Is there any random double checks involved?
A. Almost all those TRI releases are legal. EPA has gone to a self-checking model on many enforcement issues. You might have noted in the paper recently the ADEC is going to a similar self-checking for restaurant inspections. If its done right, it develops a cooperative atmosphere, the industries "buy into" the solutions and checking. As a practical matter, most such enforcement agencies only have budget to respond to complaints and emergencies, so the "honor system" may encourage compliance, rather than "see if you can catch me."

*Q. Why did EPA and OSHA react at different speed after the Bhopal incident. Isn't it critical that OSHA promulgate regulations as soon as it can ?
A. It takes a lot of effort to get regulations promulgated. Industry objects to things that may cost them more money. This forces the regulators to defend the proposed regulations. Since the arguments are often technical, the industry has lots of technical experts. The agencies often lack technical experts in particular fields and do not have the budget to hire experts.