NACD supports removal of security language from legislation.
Press Release Summary:
The emergency supplemental appropriations bill signed by the President does not include language that would change the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) chemical security rule. NACD members recently urged Congress to allow CFATS to be fully implemented and tested before enacting new chemical security legislation. Security vulnerability assessment developed by NACD addresses security issues relevant to chemical distribution facilities.
Original Press Release:
NACD Expresses Support for Removal of Chemical Security Language from Supplemental Appropriations Legislation
The emergency supplemental appropriations bill funding operations in Iraq and Afghanistan signed by the President late last week does not include language that would change the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) chemical security rule scheduled to go into effect in early June. Earlier versions of the bill did include language to explicitly allow states and localities to adopt and enforce chemical security regulations more stringent than federal standards.
NACD President Christopher L. Jahn said, "NACD is pleased that Congress dropped the chemical security provisions from this unrelated legislation. This is a victory not only for the chemical industry, but for the entire nation. The new Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) are scheduled to take effect in less than two weeks. For the first time since the 9/11 terrorist attacks almost six years ago, high-risk chemical facilities throughout the nation will be required by law to conduct vulnerability assessments and implement site security plans. Congress needs to give the new regulations a chance to work before changing the rules."
During NACD's recent annual Washington Fly-In, 54 NACD member company participants met with their Senators, Representatives, and congressional staff members to discuss the industry's top issues. Chief among those issues, NACD members urged Congress to allow CFATS to be fully implemented and tested before enacting new chemical security legislation.
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 more than 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.
Contact: Kathee E. Baker
703/527-6223
kbaker@nacd.com
