Chemical Security: Unfinished Business in Washington is Risky Business
There are many things Congress must address before it is set to adjourn but none can be more urgent than passing legislation to preserve one of the nation’s most important anti-terrorism programs, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS).
Chemistry is the lifeblood of our economy — directly touching 96 percent of all manufactured goods. Securing and maintaining the economic viability of this critical part of our infrastructure is vital to U.S. prosperity and our national security.
That’s why ACC members have invested more than $17 billion under the Responsible Care® Security Code to further enhance site security, transportation security and cybersecurity at their facilities. It’s also why ACC and its member companies support a host of federal programs that currently regulate all aspects of chemical security, including CFATS.
It’s hard to believe that more than ten years have passed since CFATS was put in place but it should come as no surprise that the program has made great strides over that time to help safeguard chemical facilities across the country and help secure the nation.
Unfortunately, CFATS is in jeopardy and is set to expire in January unless Congress takes action. For the sake of our industry and the nation, we are urging leaders in the House and Senate to come together in these final weeks and pass a bill that will provide a long-term extension for CFATS.
