ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued Appendix A - a list of "Chemicals of Interest" - as part of the federal Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) issued earlier this year in June. Risk-based screening of facilities based on this list will allow DHS to assess the potential terror threats ranging from theft and diversion of small quantities of chemicals, to potential consequences of deliberate terror attacks against larger chemical facilities. Facilities deemed "high risk" in this assessment will need to rapidly implement additional security measures, host DHS inspections, and face strong penalties, including facility shutdowns, for those that fail to act. American Chemistry Council President & CEO Jack N. Gerard issued the following statement:
"ACC strongly supports the broad and comprehensive approach taken by DHS to thoroughly evaluate potential security risks and protect tens of thousands of chemical facilities that are an essential part of the nation's critical infrastructure.
"DHS correctly recognizes that terrorism can take many forms and is applying a risk-based approach toward prioritizing chemical facilities in order to help thwart an attack and lower the attractiveness of these sites and essential products as potential terror targets.
"While DHS finalized the list, ACC members continued to take action. Over 100 facilities have already been working closely with DHS on an accelerated schedule to implement the stringent requirements of the CFATS.
"After leading the charge in Congress for chemical facility security legislation, ACC continues to be a strong advocate for federal security regulations to ensure that nationwide, all chemical facilities take the same steps our members have to enhance security. Since 2001, our members have voluntarily invested nearly
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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a
SOURCE American Chemistry Council