WASHINGTON (September 10, 2024) – Today, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) joined officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to underscore the tremendous value the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program provides industry and government in protecting sensitive chemical facilities from acts of terror. ACC and ACD also highlighted the ongoing steps taken to urge Congress to reauthorize this program, following its expiration more than a year ago on July 28, 2023.
Following the meeting, ACC’s President and CEO Chris Jahn and ACD’s President and CEO Eric R. Byer and released the following statements:
CFATS provided a powerful one-two punch in the fight against terrorism. The program was highly effective in helping companies vet personnel for potential ties to terrorism and beef up their security plans. CFATS is a good example of how smart regulations can help protect the country and provide value to the regulated community. Congress must do its job to protect America and restore CFATS.
“For nearly two decades, the CFATS program was recognized as the global standard for chemical security, giving both industry and government peace of mind in the efforts taken to keep communities safe and support the critical and safe operations of our industry,” said Byer. “Unfortunately, with the program’s expiration last July, facilities have had to manage a vital segment of our nation’s critical infrastructure without collaboration, communication, and support from DHS. ACD has been urging Congress to reauthorize this program for well over a year now to secure these sensitive facilities from the unthinkable risk a terrorist attack could bring. We appreciate DHS’ continued support of the CFATS program, and we call on Congress to get this program back online without further delay.”
Tomorrow is the 23rd anniversary of the heinous terrorist attacks targeting the U.S., on September 11, 2001, and serves as a grim reminder of the absolute need for urgency in reinstating this program. History can’t be allowed to repeat itself, and it is the responsibility of our Congress to wield whatever tools at its disposal to ensure it won’t.
