Release Date April 2, 2007--The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today released an interim final rule that imposes for the first time comprehensive federal security regulations for high risk chemical facilities. The department sought and reviewed comments from state and local partners, Congress, private industry, and the public to develop consistent guidelines using a risk-based approach. The new rule gives the department authority to seek compliance through the imposition of civil penalties, of up to $25,000 per day, and the ability to shut non-compliant facilities down. A Press Release was also issued.
Showing posts with label chemical security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chemical security. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sunday, April 1, 2007
New chemical rules won't override states
AP reporter Beverley Lumpkin writes on August 1, 2007 that new federal rules giving the Bush administration authority for the first time to regulate and even shut down chemical plants will not overrule stricter state rules already in place, according to a letter sent Sunday to lawmakers by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. Rules for New Jersey or any other state that are tougher than the federal ones will be "grandfathered in"—that is, will not be overridden, according to Chertoff's letter.
"If a state measure to regulate security at high-risk facilities does not conflict with, interfere with, hinder, or frustrate the purpose of DHS's regulations, it would not be pre-empted," Chertoff wrote. Lumpkin writes that Lautenberg was not mollified. "Rather than let New Jersey and other states move forward defending our communities from attacks on our chemical facilities, the Bush administration is trying to freeze us in our tracks," said Scott Mulhauser, a spokesman for Lautenberg.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
