ACD Press Release

Arlington, VA
March 27, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matthew McKinney
(703) 527-6223 x3074
mmckinney@acd-chem.com

NACD Welcomes Three-Month CFATS Extension, but Urges Long-Term Reauthorization

Today, National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer issued the following statement on the passage of legislation that would extend for an additional three months the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program ahead of its expiration on April 18, 2020.

“CFATS is vital to ensuring the chemical industry and regulators work together to keep our nation’s chemical facilities secured against potential acts of terrorism, and its continuation is a critical component of the broader U.S. national security strategy. While NACD welcomes a CFATS extension of three months and five days to get us beyond the April 18 program deadline, our industry needs a much longer program authorization to ensure both regulators and industry leaders alike have the certainty needed to administer this program.

“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 passage of long-term reauthorization legislation that would keep CFATS in place for many years to come, and certainly in place beyond July. Leaders in Congress on both sides of the aisle should prioritize CFATS reauthorization so this program can continue running strong.”

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NACD and its nearly 430 member companies are vital to the chemical supply chain providing products to over 750,000 end users. 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 more information, visit www.acd-chem.com.