Most of the recommendations for the chemical industry involve voluntary action and industry-government partnerships. For example, the strategy notes that parts of the industry have taken positive, voluntary steps to protect sector infrastructure and specifically cites the American Chemistry Councils Responsible Care security code. But the report adds that a significant percentage of companies that operate major hazardous chemical facilities do not abide by voluntary security codes developed by other parts of the industry.

But aside from the legislative proposal, the presidents strategy names EPA as the lead agency responsible for chemical plant security. The national strategy also directs EPA to review existing requirements on the sale of pesticides and industrial chemicals. This process will help identify whether additional measures may be necessary to address security issues related to these substances, the report says.

In its section on the oil and gas industry, the report offers no mandatory proposals, but instead directs DHS and the Department of Energy to work with the oil and natural gas industry representatives to define consistent criteria for criticality, standard approaches for vulnerability and risk assessments for various facilities, and physical training for industry personnel.

For the complete report, go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/pcipb/physical.html