The four-year authorization of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program is set to expire in January 2019. With less than eight months to go, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) are working with Congress on long-term reauthorization for CFATS while continuing to streamline the program’s processes. For DHS, CFATS reauthorization is a national security and economic imperative.
Last week, NACD staff including myself met with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) drone and hazardous materials offices. We had a good discussion regarding NACD members’ concerns about drones flying near their facilities and what actions they can take to protect their operations.
Today, November 8, is National STEM Day, and now more than ever we must recognize the need to foster our youth to pursue careers in the sciences. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) job opportunities in the U.S. are growing. As we look to the future of our economy and our workforce, STEM education – and specifically chemistry – is a critical part of driving innovation to improve and advance our everyday lives.