NACD Testifies on H.R. 908, to Extend the Current Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) testified before the U.S. House of Representatives'  Energy & Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.  NACD supports H.R. 908, which would extend the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) authority to implement the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program (CFATS) for an additional 7 years.

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NACD members have always focused on the safety and security of its workplaces and products.  In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011, NACD became the first chemical trade association to mandate specific security measures for its members and continues to assess Responsible Distribution's security measures against current threats.  NACD members demonstrate their commitment to product stewardship in every phase of chemical storage, handling, transportation and disposal through compliance with Responsible Distribution, NACD's mandatory environmental, health, safety and security program.  

Andrew K. Skipp, President and CEO of Hubbard-Hall Inc. and NACD's Chairman of the Board  commended Representatives Murphy and Green for introducing legislation to extend DHS' authority to continue CFATS for seven years.  "Real security measures are being implemented at facilities around the nation because of the CFATS program."  Skipp added, "While we have been willing to invest the time and the resources to comply with this important regulation, I know Hubbard-Hall, along with all the other members of NACD who have CFATS-covered facilities, would appreciate the certainty of a clean, long-term extension of the program."

NACD also opposes any measure that would require facilities to consider and/or implement inherently safer technologies (ISTs).  For most facilities, an IST assessment would likely produce limited options that would impede normal business operations.  Skipp said, "Particularly in these tough economic times, and in addition to the myriad regulations that already affect us, this could be the final straw to put some companies out of business, which would result in further job losses."

For a complete copy of Skipp's testimony, go to  http://www.nacd.com/advocacy/comments.aspx.

NACD and its over 390 member companies are vital to the chemical supply chain providing products to over 750,000 end users. They make a delivery every five seconds while maintaining a safety record that is more than twice as good as the safety standards set by DOT. NACD members are leaders in health, safety, security, and environmental performance through implementation of Responsible Distribution, established in 1991 as a condition of membership and is a third-party verified management practice. For additional information on our members, their safety record or NACD, visit NACD's website — http://www.nacd.com.

CONTACT: Matt Glaser
703/527-NACD(6223)

SOURCE National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD)