SIA Welcomes House Passage of Chemical Security Authorization Measure

Bill would provide regulatory certainty for Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards program.

Silver Spring, Md. — The Security Industry Association (SIA) welcomes passage of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Program Authorization and Accountability Act (H.R. 4007), SIA-endorsed legislation that was adopted unanimously by the House late Tuesday.

“The security industry provides many of the innovative solutions being implemented to meet requirements under CFATS,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Providing a multi-year authorization and making improvements to the implementation process will help ensure that solutions to make our nation safer are more readily adopted.”

Sponsored by Rep. Pat Meehan, R-Pa., chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies, the bipartisan bill provides the first statutory authorization for CFATS program at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The bill would authorize CFATS for three years while requiring certain vital chemical security goals be met within this time period, according to Meehan. The bill would allow automatic approval of alternative site security plans and permit third-party audits and inspections with the approval of the secretary of homeland security.

CFATS was first created in 2006 to address recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to secure vulnerable infrastructure from terrorist attack. Under the program, DHS ensures that facilities handling certain chemicals meet risk-based physical security standards. The bill also takes measures to correct implementation issues that have plagued DHS and slowed implementation of security plans at chemical sites.

H.R. 4007 has been referred to the U.S. Senate, where it awaits further action.

About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (https://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with more than 500 innovative member companies representing more than 300,000 security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities, and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground® conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities.