Grainnet

Washington, DC—The House Energy & Commerce Committee approved the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 (HR 2868) by a vote of 29 to 18 yesterday.

HR 2868 would permanently authorize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) authority to regulate chemical facilities and expand current regulations to include Inherently Safer Technology (IST) requirements and civil enforcement provisions.

The committee also approved, by voice vote, an amendment to HR 2868 offered by Representatives Mike Ross (D-AR) and Zack Space (D-OH) that would require DHS to conduct an economic assessment regarding the impact an IST requirement would have on agricultural facilities covered by these security regulations.

The Ross-Space amendment also includes authorization of a $3 million grant program to help agricultural retailers and distributors required to conduct an IST assessment.

Click here to view the Agricultural Retailers Association's (ARA) letter of support for their amendment.

“ARA applauds Representatives Ross and Space for their leadership in securing adoption of a provision that will require DHS to review the economic impact an IST requirement would have on the nation’s agricultural industry and consumers," said Richard Gupton, ARA vice president of legislative policy and counsel.

"The grant program can provide much needed financial assistance for these facilities to meet new IST regulatory requirements.”

ARA continues to oppose HR 2868 primarily due to the IST and civil enforcement provisions, which could lead to the loss of widely-used and essential, lower-cost sources of plant nutrient and crop protection products and increase production costs for farmers and ranchers.

ARA urges members of Congress to vote against HR 2868 until these controversial provisions are removed from the legislation.

In the next few weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider HR 2868 under a structured rule, which will limit opportunities to offer amendments.

ARA urges all agricultural retailers and distributors to contact Congress on this important issue.

Click here to go to ARA’s grassroots website and ensure your voice is heard.

For more information on the committee vote, click here.

Fo rmore information, call 202-457-0825.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• ARA

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