NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, today issued the following statement in response to the Advance Notice of Rulemaking issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to regulate certain “high-risk” chemical plants.
NPRA President Bob Slaughter said: “While we have not yet had an opportunity analyze in detail the DHS proposal to issue chemical facility security regulations, it appears from our initial review that the Department has done an admirable job in fulfilling the intent of Congress to establish risk-based security performance standards for high-risk facilities. NPRA is pleased that the proposal permits each covered facility to select appropriate measures to meet the standards set by DHS and that it recognizes the importance of protecting vulnerability assessments and specific site security plans from unwarranted public disclosure. The proposed regulation provides for the appropriate sharing of information with state and local law enforcement officials, along with first responders, whose vital duties may require in-depth knowledge of security-related information.
“Security has always been and will continue to be a top priority for refiners and petrochemical manufacturers. NPRA and its members look forward to continuing the public/private security partnership that we have enjoyed with DHS since its establishment, and will provide specific comments on the chemical security proposal in coming weeks.”
NPRA is a national trade association with more than 450 member companies, including virtually all U.S. refiners and petrochemical manufacturers.
