As a result of the tragedy that occurred in Bhopal, India, where nearly 3,000 people were killed and many others injured due to a hazardous chemical release, the U.S. Government enacted legislation to plan for chemical emergencies. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 was passed. Thus creating local emergency planning committees (LEPC). In 1990 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanian passed Act 165 also requiring the LEPC and requiring certain members on the committee.

The following outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Indiana County LEPC.

• Chemical planning and preparedness in the community
• Develop plans for response to chemical emergencies
• Identifies facilities in the county that use and store hazardous chemicals
• Identifies Transportation corridors where hazardous materials are transported
• Develops plans for evacuations, if necessary
• Promote public awareness of chemical preparedness
• Work closely with local business & industry to insure compliance 
• Insure public assess to information on hazardous chemicals in the community
• Coordinate with the county Hazardous Materials Response Team