Industry News

NACD Weighs In on CFATS Reauthorization Legislation

ARLINGTON, VA – National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer issued the following statement on the introduction of S. 4096 that would extend for three years and four days the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program ahead of its expiration.

“CFATS — a critical component of our nation’s national security efforts — is vital to ensuring the chemical industry and regulators work together to keep our nation’s chemical facilities secured against potential acts of terrorism. NACD applauds the introduction of legislation that would provide a multi-year extension lasting through July 27, 2023. Passage of this important bill would provide regulators and industry alike the certainty needed to continue administering and implementing this program for the foreseeable future.”

“While we understand the intense political pressure placed upon Congress right now because of COVID-19, they cannot allow this program to sunset. It must be a priority for elected officials to reauthorize this program for the long term to ensure that chemical facilities and communities are protected from potential acts of terrorism. We therefore urge the immediate passage of S. 4096 that would keep CFATS in place for many years to come. Leaders in Congress on both sides of the aisle should prioritize CFATS reauthorization so this program can continue to serve as a powerful tool to keep our nation, businesses, employees and communities safe from the threat of terrorism.”

“We thank Sen. Johnson for introducing this bill, and for Sens. Peters, Capito, Lankford, Inhofe, and Carper for cosponsoring it, to ensure our nation’s chemical facility security remains a top priority. We now urge the full U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly approve this legislation in bipartisan fashion and send it to President Trump for his signature before July 23.”

KEYWORDS: chemical distributors