By PAUL J. WEBER and SOPHIA TAREEN
Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Gov. Rick Perry says a deadly fertilizer plant explosion in Texas wouldn't have been prevented if the state earmarked more money for industry inspections.
Perry told The Associated Press on Monday that he remains comfortable with the level of state oversight following last week's blast at the West Fertilizer Co. He says Texas residents have sent the same message through their elected officials.
Investigators say they have yet to determine what caused the explosion that killed 14 people and injured 200 others. Most of the dead were firefighters and emergency medics.
State environmental regulators last inspected the plant in 2006.
Perry has long heralded the state's low regulatory climate as an incentive for companies to relocate to Texas and bring jobs.
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