Chem Industry Commends Senate On Critical Cyberspace Security Action

PRESS RELEASE

ARLINGTON, VA (June 29, 2010) – The U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee approved “Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010,” legislation designed to protect the nation’s critical cyber infrastructure. If enacted, the bill would create an Office of Cyber Policy in the White House, which would lead all federal cyberspace efforts and devise a national cyberspace strategy. It would also create a National Center for Cyber-security and Communications (NCCC) within the Department of Homeland Security, which would enforce cyber-security policies throughout the government and the private sector. Additionally, the bill would establish a public/private partnership to set national cyber-security priorities and improve national cyber-security defenses. The following statement may be attributed to ACC’s senior director of security, Bill Erny:

“We commend Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins and Senator Carper for their leadership in developing this comprehensive approach to protecting our critical cyber-infrastructure. The bill approved by the Senate Homeland Security Committee will go a long way toward building upon the rigorous security regulations already in place for our industry, while providing a much needed focus on cyber-security.

“We are glad to see that Congress is continuing its commitment to cyber-security, taking it as seriously as our members do. This legislation will complement our members’ ongoing effort to improve cyber-security, from sharing best practices through ACC’s ChemITC forum to implementation of the Responsible Care Security Code'. This bill will also help ensure that similar efforts are being undertaken across the nation’s critical infrastructure, while giving DHS the ability and resources to provide a truly comprehensive approach to securing our cyber- and information systems.

“ACC and our members appreciate the efforts of Sens. Lieberman, Collins and Carper, and the other members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee on this essential cyber-security legislation, which will help us protect our facilities, our employees, the communities where we operate, and the vital products we supply to the nation every day.”

Since 2001, ACC members have led the way in chemical security. Long before there was any government direction, ACC member companies invested more than $8 billion on enhancing facility security under ACC’s Responsible Care Security Code, which has since become the gold standard for the industry and a model for regulatory programs.

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care', common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $674 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation’s largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.