01.22.13
The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) recently testified to Congress that poor implementation of US chemical security regulations has created a burden on small chemical companies.
Testifying on behalf of SOCMA before the House Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, Matthew Leary, corporate EHS&S manager for Pilot Chemical Company, discussed several issues impeding compliance with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Specifically, Leary highlighted communications issues with DHS and difficulties budgeting for compliance given the agency’s shortcomings with implementation.
“In this tough economy, every penny counts,” said Leary. “We recognize that we have to comply with CFATS and are prepared to do so, but we need to know how much it will cost and when those costs will be incurred. Instead, we have been forced to guess.”
Leary said Congress should encourage DHS to work collaboratively with the regulated community to solve the issues hindering implementation.
Lawmakers can increase DHS’s chances of success by conducting regular oversight, reauthorizing the program for an extended period of time and adequately funding the program, he added.
Testifying on behalf of SOCMA before the House Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, Matthew Leary, corporate EHS&S manager for Pilot Chemical Company, discussed several issues impeding compliance with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Specifically, Leary highlighted communications issues with DHS and difficulties budgeting for compliance given the agency’s shortcomings with implementation.
“In this tough economy, every penny counts,” said Leary. “We recognize that we have to comply with CFATS and are prepared to do so, but we need to know how much it will cost and when those costs will be incurred. Instead, we have been forced to guess.”
Leary said Congress should encourage DHS to work collaboratively with the regulated community to solve the issues hindering implementation.
Lawmakers can increase DHS’s chances of success by conducting regular oversight, reauthorizing the program for an extended period of time and adequately funding the program, he added.