NCJ Number
201757
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 5 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 28-33
Date Published
August 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the current debate over legislation designed to more closely regulate security issues in the chemical industry.
Abstract
In 2002 the chemical industry, which is one of the most strictly regulated industries in the world, successfully blocked the first comprehensive chemical plant security legislation. The article describes the opposition between Senators Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and James Inhofe (R-OK) over legislation that would raise security standards in United States chemical plants. Critics argue that the regulations are too restrictive and expensive for the industry to implement while proponents of the bill claim security cannot be compromised in such a high-stakes arena. Specific components of the proposed legislation are discussed, including the fact that enforcement of the regulations would be placed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a major point of contention between the opposing sides. Another area of debate involves how to best implement the regulations in terms of linking chemical manufacturing facilities to law enforcement and emergency response teams. The article also discusses the steps the chemical industry has taken thus far to tighten security around its manufacturing plants. The industry shares best practices in the area of security and has recently strengthened ties with local law enforcement, health officials, and emergency responders, as well as with the communities in which they are located. A textbox embedded in the article offers a transcript of an interview with Senator Jon Corzine.