The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) welcomed passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 4007, the “Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Reauthorization Act,” which would authorize the CFATS program for three years, allowing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to continue working with chemical facilities on the program’s successful implementation. The bill passed the House by voice vote.
Introduced by U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan (R-PA), the multi-year authorization would also give affected businesses time to make appropriate logistical and financial decisions needed for successful compliance.
“Today’s unanimous voice vote is a huge step forward for this important piece of the legislation that would impact hundreds of manufacturers across the nation and thousands of jobs,” said Bill Allmond, SOCMA vice president, government and public relations. “Our member companies support CFATS, but like any business, they need to be able to plan for the future. A multi-year CFATS authorization provides that added level of certainty, giving our members the confidence they need to continue implementing the program.”
There is clear evidence that the CFATS program is driving facilities to reduce inherent hazards. In fact, since the CFATS program was launched in 2007, more than 3000 facilities have changed processes or inventories that have enabled them to screen out of the program. SOCMA is hopeful that H.R. 4007 remains on a smooth course to final passage in the Senate before heading to the President’s desk for signature, so continued progress can be made on CFATS implementation.
View the House-passed version of H.R. 4007
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