Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) are a product of federal legislation because of the hazardous chemical leak of Methyl Isocyanate in Bhopal, India that resulted in the death of over 2000 people. A second release of the chemical Aldicarb in West Virginia increased the concern about emergency response capabilities in the United States.
The job of an LEPC is to enhance the hazardous material preparedness from a partnership between local government and industry. The LEPC Committee is composed of members from the following categories:
1. Elected state and local officials,
2. Local law enforcement, civil defense/emergency management, firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital and transportation groups.
3. Broadcast and print media
4. Community groups,
5. Owners and operators of regulated facilities.