The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer has released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
“ACD applauds the Senate for confirming Kristi Noem to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The intersection of chemicals and homeland security cannot be overstated. While the chemical distribution industry remains vigilant against a range of developing threats, we rely on government collaboration and intelligence to stay ahead of key threats, including fraud, artificial intelligence, and cyber risks. One vital program that is under the jurisdiction of DHS is the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, which safeguards chemical facilities and surrounding communities from acts of terror. Unfortunately, Congress allowed the program to expire nearly two years ago. We look forward to working with Secretary Noem and her team on initiatives to further secure our industry and we strongly encourage her to work with Congress to swiftly reauthorize the CFATS program without delay.”