Statement addresses chemical facility security regulations.
Press Release Summary:
Testifying before House Committee on Homeland Security, Marty Durbin, VP of Federal Affairs, stated that ACC member companies recognize more work needs to be done to continue protecting chemical sector. Congressional action is needed to make Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards permanent before they expire in October. Ongoing implementation of CFATS demonstrates smart and aggressive approach to securing and protecting economic viability of essential part of nation's infrastructure.
Original Press Release:
ACC to Congress: America Needs Permanent Chemical Facility Security Regulations
American Chemistry Council (http://www.americanchemistry.com) Vice President of Federal Affairs Marty Durbin issued a statement regarding his testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security
Arlington, VA - June 16, 2009 -- ACC (www.americanchemistry.com)'s Marty Durbin testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security during a legislative hearing today on the "Chemical Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009." ACC member companies fully recognize that more work needs to be done to continue protecting the nation's chemical sector, we need Congressional action to make the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) permanent before they expire this October.
American Chemistry Council (www.americanchemistry.com) Vice President of Federal Affairs Marty Durbin issued the following statement:
"We believe the ongoing implementation of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) demonstrates a smart and aggressive approach to both securing and protecting the economic viability of this essential part of the nation's infrastructure. The legislation being considered by this committee represents an important step toward establishing permanent chemical security regulations.
"Security has long been a priority for our members and the chemical sector. To date, our members have invested $7.7 billion on facility security enhancements under ACC's Responsible Care Security Code®, a commitment that began long before Congress passed legislation in 2006. The effectiveness of the program has been broadly recognized as the gold standard for the industry and served as the model for state and local programs in Maryland, New Jersey and New York.
"While we share the goal of establishing permanent chemical security regulations, we are concerned several provisions in the legislation as introduced could undermine the important work that is already underway. While we have strong views on these issues, we appreciate the willingness of both the House Homeland Security and the Energy & Commerce Committee to seek our input and consider our viewpoint. We have had constructive discussions, and remain hopeful that our concerns can be addressed as the legislative process progresses."
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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $635 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.
