US refiners note security upgrades as 9/11 nears
American fuel and petrochemical manufacturers have made major improvements in security to protect their facilities against possible terrorist attacks since Sept. 11, 2001, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) president Charles T. Drevna said on Friday.
“Making our manufacturing facilities as secure and safe as possible is our top priority,” Drevna said. “Refineries and petrochemical plants have spent billions of dollars to become better prepared for the possibility of terrorist attacks, with improved site security plans and intensive facility inspections.”
“The Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) have provided a sound, risk-based, security program,” Drevna said. “We support permanent authorization of the program and urge Congress to pass legislation extending it this year.”
Drevna said security improvements at refineries and petrochemical plants since 2001 include:
- Implementation of the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards.
- Implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, which identifies security gaps to develop improved security plans that are vetted and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Participation in the Chemical and Oil and Natural Gas Coordinating Councils. This enables NPRA members to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security on such issues as tiering, site inspections, material modifications, alternative security plans, personnel surety and cybersecurity.
- Involvement in many local port security councils and regional and state security councils.
- Participation in voluntary programs, such as DHS workshops and educational site tours.
“We join all Americans in mourning the tragic loss of life on Sept. 11 ten years ago, and remain dedicated to helping protect our nation against future terrorist attacks that we hope will never come,” Drevna said.
“Security has greatly improved through voluntary actions and important federal measures such as the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards. We will remain vigilant and unrelenting in our efforts.”
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