Senator Collins (R-ME) Addresses NACD Members in Washington D.C

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today members and affiliates of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) gathered in Washington D.C. for their annual Washington Fly-In. With 220 collective visits to House and Senate offices, the attendees got an early start to the day hearing a formal address by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), ranking Republican member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

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Senator Collins thanked the industry for its efforts in producing growth in revenue and jobs during these tough economic times.  She reviewed background on legislation she introduced, which was the basis for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS).  She illustrated current discussions around its re-authorization.  "The chemical industry has done its part to secure our country and the Industry.  It is much stronger today and constantly improving. You really have a good story to tell," Collins remarked. 

She also spoke about the impact burdensome regulations have on American business, especially small family-owned companies.  "You are an essential part of the chemical industry and a vital link in the supply chain," stated Collins.  She thanked the distribution community for its efforts and commented that what business needs is regulatory certainty and stability to be able to plan for the future and to make reliable business projections. 

After the Senator's speech, the group of 70 NACD participants visited more than 200 Senators and Representatives, and their staffs on Capitol Hill representing 39 states.  NACD members urged Congress' support for:

• H.R. 3010/S.1606, the Regulatory Accountability Act, to reforming the regulatory process
• H.R. 901, H.R. 908 and S.473, which would authorize CFATS for multiple years, allowing for continued security enhancements and regulatory certainty for industry and government alike.

"As businessmen and women, it's always important to reach out to your community, especially your Representatives and Senators in whose districts you work and live. It's especially important in an election year to help educate members of Congress on the vital role chemical distributors have to society," said Chris Jahn, President, NACD.

NACD and its over 400 member companies are vital to the chemical supply chain, providing products to over 750,000 end users. They make a delivery every six seconds while maintaining a safety record that is more than twice as good as all manufacturing combined. 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 a third-party verified management practice. For additional information on NACD members, their safety record or NACD, visit NACD at www.nacd.com.

CONTACT: Lucinda Schofer, +1-703-527-6223

SOURCE National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD)