The U.S. government on Friday is expected to issue proposed rules that would require U.S. chemical makers to better protect plants from terrorists, in a move aimed at plugging a hole in the country's defenses, according to media reports.
The Department of Homeland Security guidelines would give chemical companies like DuPont Co., Celanese Corp. and Rohm & Haas Co. certain safety standards that have to be met. The proposals are subject to a 60-day comment period after being made public.
But chemical industry lobbyists have steered officials away from decreeing exactly how the measures should be achieved, which could pave the way for a partisan battle early next year when Democrats, who were pushing for stricter controls, take over Congress.
Fines for noncompliance could reach $25,000, and companies will be responsible for creating their own risk-assessment and security plans, according to media reports. Under the rules, companies will be responsible for meeting minimum standards defined by the government.
Government officials have recently said domestic railway systems, nuclear and chemicals plants need to be better protected from potential terrorist attacks.
