Where is John Galt? Killing Texans

[Dorn]

From NakedCapitalism:

Who needs pesky safety regulations or zoning laws when there is money to made running a fertilizer plant? Sadly, the small Texas town of West, which is just north of Waco, is suffering the consequences of unregulated free enterprise today, as a massive explosion at West Fertilizer has leveled much of the town.

[Buzz Clik]

1. What safety regulations were missing from Texas law that allowed this to occur?

[BethanyQuartz]

2. Buffer zone

Way back when the plant was bought if it was always licensed for explosive materials. If not, then they should not have been able to get licensed without purchasing a proper buffer zone. That would have at least saved residents, if not workers.

[Buzz Clik]

3. So ... this distributor was always licensed for ammonium nitrate until recently?

Or he was never licensed for it?

Are fertilizer dealers required to obtain a license to sell ammonium nitrate?

I still don't get it.

Why is this a Texas-specific, under regulation problem?

[BethanyQuartz]

4. It might not be Texas specific

But anytime anyone stores explosives there should be a buffer zone requirement. It just makes sense.

[Buzz Clik]

5. Agreed.

It also helps when the operator of the facility does not lie about his inventory.