CONGRESS DEBATES CHEMICAL SECURITY: Panel argues over regulating chemicals at WATER TREATMENT PLANTS, requiring safer technologies

CONGRESSIONAL efforts to pass legislation this year on chemical plant security face several roadblocks. The primary bill, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 (H.R. 5577), is opposed by the chemical industry and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is caught in a jurisdictional squabble between committees in the House of Representatives. Supporters and opponents aired their points of contention over the bill at a packed June 12 hearing on the plant security legislation held by the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment & Hazardous Materials. Despite numerous concerns about H.R. 5577, most of the debate was over two provisions: the inclusion of water and wastewater treatment facilities under the federal law and the imposition of “inherently safer technology” on facilities that use hazardous chemicals. Congress needs to pass legislation on chemical plant security because the law giving DHS authority to regulate chemicals expires in October 2009. The House Commit...