Chemical Security: A Decade of Progress
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the nation approaches the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) is providing an update on the progress the chemical industry and policymakers have made to enhance chemical security.
ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley issued the following statement:
"The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, permanently altered our concept of what it means to feel secure in the modern world. On that day, we took stock of our nation's vulnerabilities and realized that action was needed to further protect the nation's critical infrastructure, including chemical facilities.
"Thanks to our industry's initiatives and investments as well as a comprehensive set of regulations put in place to improve chemical security, the country is more secure today from terrorism.
"Within months of the September 11th attacks, the ACC instituted a stringent, mandatory security program called the Responsible Care Security Code®. To date, ACC members have invested nearly $10 billion on facility security enhancements under the Security Code®, which has become a gold standard for the industry and has served as a model for regulatory programs.
"Beyond industry initiatives, ACC and its members continue to be strong advocates for the regulatory programs put in place by government agencies, which set a high bar for chemical security. It is not only appropriate but necessary that our industry's efforts are combined with a smart regulatory approach and federal oversight to ensure that everyone throughout the chemical sector is doing their part.
"While we have made substantial progress to enhance all aspects of chemical security, we must not stop there. Congress has an opportunity to build on this progress by passing legislation this year that would extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS).
"Our industry remains committed to doing its part to make America a more secure nation. ACC and our members will continue to invest resources and support federal programs that will further enhance our security. And we will never forget what's at stake."
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®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $720 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.
SOURCE American Chemistry Council
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