Caribou Native to Serve on U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
CARIBOU NATIVE TO SERVE ON U.S. CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD
Senator Collins to administer oath of office to William Wark
William Wark, a native of Caribou, was sworn in today as the newest member the federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). Senator Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, will administered the oath of office.
"Maine has a long tradition of providing dedicated and effective public servants to serve the country," said Senator Collins. "I am delighted to see that tradition continue with William Wark chosen to serve on the federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. The nation is fortunate to have an official of his caliber joining the distinguished membership of the CSB board."
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. Its board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Recently, Senator Collins was able to reach a deal on bipartisan chemical security legislation that was approved by a Senate-House negotiating panel and is included in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report for FY07. This legislation gives the DHSfor the first timethe authority to require security measures at more than 3, 400 chemical facilities. The bill provides the Secretary with the strongest possible authority to enforce those standards by empowering the Secretary to shut down a facility that does not meet security standards.
William Wark is a graduate of the University of Maine at Fort Kent and received a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. A Navy veteran of counter-intelligence duty in Vietnam, he is also a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Also present at today's swearing in ceremony was William Wark's wife, Lynne.
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