The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) signed a letter of support for H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Program Authorization and Accountability Act of 2014 on April 29, 2014.

The CFATS Program identifies and secures chemical facilities that pose security risks using risk-based performance standards (RBPS). These standards offer flexibility to facilities with unique security challenges through a tiered facility structure, and varying degrees of vulnerability assessments, and site security plans based on the level of risk.

The letter urges the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security to pass the bill. The act provides three-year authorization to the Department of Homeland Security to enforce the CFATS program. This is an added protection for facilities that pose higher security risks and require substantial investments in security systems.

According to the letter, the bill also addresses many problems associated with site security plans and the implementation of the program.

The letter states: “We recognize the complexities in implementing a program like CFATS and are fully aware of some of the flaws in management exposed over the past few years. This multi-year authorization will give DHS the time and stability it needs to improve its implementation, but at the same time, will ensure that Congress has the ability to monitor the program and make any necessary changes to it before the next authorization.”

Read the letter.