Chemical Industry Calls For Improved Implementation of Chemical Security Program

“Congress and the Administration have an opportunity to build on the chemical industry’s initiatives to enhance security by improving implementation of the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS).” That’s according to Timothy Scott, Chief Security Officer and Corporate Director of Emergency Services and Security at The Dow Chemical Company, who testified on behalf of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies.
 
Scott emphasized the chemical industry’s leadership and its collaborative approach to enhancing security by working with policymakers to achieve a common objective.
 
“Members of ACC implemented the Responsible Care Security Code in 2002 and have voluntarily and significantly improved the security of its member facilities over the past decade,” said Scott. “Since the Security Code’s inception ACC members have spent nearly $10 billion on security enhancements. We have worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from the beginning to make CFATS successful.”
 
CFATS has come under increasing scrutiny from Congress as implementation issues have slowed the program’s progress. Scott urged Congress and the Administration to seize the opportunity to correct implementation issues while preserving the promise of the underlying program.
  
“We now have the catalyst for change and an excellent opportunity to correct the course and complete the task at hand,” said Scott. “The concept and basic design of CFATS are solid. CFATS has potential, has already sparked some improvements in chemical security and can be developed further into an efficient, productive process to improve the security of our nation’s critical chemical industry.”
 
However, Scott said specific improvements are needed to improve the overall implementation of CFATS. Specifically, he urged DHS to implement a more workable personnel security program for CFATS facilities to properly vet thousands of employees and contractors against the Terrorist Screening Database. He also urged DHS to engage chemical facilities and their trade group representatives throughout the process to improve/revamp Site Security Plan assessments and approvals.

Scott said DHS should improve transparency by making facilities aware of how CFATS risk tiering decisions are made by the Agency and how changes by the facility could reduce their risk and lower their CFATS profile. Finally, he urged DHS to consider an alternative inspection program for lower tier facilities using accredited third-party auditors—potentially leveraging ACC’s Responsible Care Security Code Program. This would help streamline the program by lessening the burden on the DHS inspection team and allow DHS to focus resources and attention on higher risk facilities.

“This will be a difficult task, but not an impossible mission.  CFATS can work as conceived—implementation will take leadership, communication and collaboration well beyond what we’ve seen recently,” said Scott.  “We—DHS, the industry and this subcommittee—can make this work.” 

Featured

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.