NACD Moderated Panel on multi-agency harmonization.
Press Release Summary:
On June 30 of this year, NACD VP of Government Affairs Jennifer Gibson moderated a panel discussion on Multi-Agency Harmonization on Chemical and Hazardous Materials Security Regulations with key officials from several Department of Homeland Security and Department of Transportation agencies. The discussion - a highlight of the 2009 Chemical Sector Security Summit - addressed major security programs agencies administer and how they work with each other to coordinate efforts.
Original Press Release:
NACD Moderates Panel on Multi-Agency Harmonization on Chemical and Hazardous Materials Security Regulations
On Tuesday, July 30, NACD Vice President of Government Affairs Jennifer Gibson moderated a panel discussion on Multi-Agency Harmonization on Chemical and Hazardous Materials Security Regulations with key officials from several Department of Homeland Security and Department of Transportation agencies.
The panel discussion was a highlight of the 2009 Chemical Sector Security Summit ending today in Baltimore, MD. In addition to Gibson, panelists included Sue Armstrong, Director, Infrastructure Security Compliance Division, National Protection and Programs Directorate, DHS; Jim Bull, Deputy Chief, Coast Guard's Cargo & Facilities Division, Office of Port & Facility Activities, United States Coast Guard, DHS; Scott C. Gorton, Director of Policy, Freight Rail Division, Transportation Security Administration, DHS; William S. Schoonover, Chief, Hazardous Materials Division, Federal Railroad Administration, DOT; and Ben Supko, Transportation Regulations Specialist, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, DOT.
The panelists discussed the major security programs their agencies administer as well as how they work with each other to coordinate efforts.
"It is again an honor to moderate this distinguished panel of the key federal officials who run or have oversight of the major chemical facility and hazardous materials transportation security regulations in the U.S., ranging from the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, to the Maritime Transportation Security Act regulations to rail transportation security issues," said Gibson. "These programs all have a critical impact on the chemical industry and the security of hazardous materials in this country."
NACD is an active member of the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council, which is hosting the Summit. NACD has urged Congress to oppose legislation that would make premature changes to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) that expire October 1, 2009, and to give CFATS more time to be fully implemented and tested before making changes to this important program. NACD is pleased that the Senate version of the FY2010 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which is awaiting Senate passage, includes a one-year extension of DHS's current authority to implement the current regulations. NACD was the first chemical trade association to approve new security measures, as part of its management program, the Responsible Distribution ProcessSM (RDP), and has developed a security vulnerability assessment that specifically addresses security issues relevant to chemical distribution facilities. NACD members have invested millions of dollars and substantial resources to safeguard their facilities and the transportation of their products.
NACD and its nearly 250 members have established themselves as leaders in health, safety, security, and environmental performance through implementation of the Responsible Distribution Process (RDP), established in 1991 as a condition of membership in NACD. Incorporated as a condition of membership in January 1999, NACD members undergo third-party on-site RDPV - RDP Verification. For additional information, visit NACD's Web site - www.nacd.com.
