"West Virginia's governor on Monday proposed legislation to regulate above-ground storage tanks, a move that comes after a spill of coal-processing chemicals shut off drinking water to about 300,000 people."

"Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said the proposed rules would regulate above-ground tanks, including those near public water supplies and distribution systems.

"The discharge of chemicals or other contaminants into our water supply is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Tomblin, a Democrat, said in a joint statement with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, also a Democrat, and the heads of the state Senate and House of Delegates.

Tomblin said the legislation would in part assure that above-ground tanks were built and maintained in line with safety standards."

Ian Simpson reports for Reuters January 21, 2014. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"West Virginia Politicians Consider Chemical Regulation After Spill" (Aljazeera America) [3]

"Half Of Americans Favor New Regulations After West Virginia Chemical Spill" (Huffington Post) [4]

"Senate Dems Push Bill To Prevent Chemical Spills" (E2 Wire/The Hill) [5]