Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act
November 2, 2009
The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 (H.R. 2868), introduced by Representative Bennie Thompson, would increase the safety and security of the country's chemical plants. The bill would do the following:
- Require chemical plants to consider whether they can switch to safer chemicals or processes to reduce the risks and consequences of terrorist attacks;
- Give the Secretary of the Homeland Security Department authority to require certain facilities in the two highest risk groups to switch to safer chemicals or processes when feasible;
- Provide a fair appeals process for companies to challenge the Secretary's decisions; and
- Protect whistleblowers from retaliation if they report security problems at a chemical plant.