The attacks of September 11, 2001 have redesigned how America thinks about security. Since then we have strengthened the fight against terrorism – but the threat environment is not quiet. Cyber intrusions, non-authorized drone flights about critical infrastructures and the abuse of artificial intelligence create new weaknesses that can exploit opponents in a way that we only start to understand.
One of the most attractive goals in our nation is the chemical sector. It leads more than a quarter of the US BIP, employs directly over half a million Americans and underpins the most important basics such as clean water, safe food, reliable energy, advanced production and life-saving medication. But the same chemicals that maintain modern life can be armed in the wrong hands Employees, municipalities and critical care resorts endanger far beyond the system goals.
Because our sector Is so closely interwoven to the economy and the national infrastructure that it is necessary a Security threat reaction system That fits his unique risks. In contrast to many industries, chemicals are Double use of nature– Vital for industry, but dangerous if they are stolen, redirected or sabotaged. Therefore, security measures can not be a subsequent thought; In addition to security programs, you have to be a national priority.
Security and security: different, but complementary
It is critical Differentiation between chemical security and chemical security. Security Protect programs against accidents and natural disasters. SecurityHowever, Wachen against deliberate threats – sabotage, theft or terrorism. Both are important, but they require different solutions. While the rules of Osha and EPA address security, they should never prevent the opponents who are determined to weapons chemicals.
The gap left by Cfats
For more than a decade, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFats) program has been delivering exactly what was needed: a Tailored, risk -based framework To Secure it with high risk against deliberate threats. CFATs called for facilities to evaluate weaknesses, implement layer defenses and subject it to federal inspection. In addition, there was access to DHS specialist knowledge and security instruments that are not available elsewhere.
When Cfats have expired in July 2023the nation lost The only federal program that is devoted to the security of the chemical institutions. This decay has exposed the facilities more – without clear federal management, without specialized supervision and without a uniform standard for measuring the readiness. The gap cannot be filled solely by programs of the private sector, no matter how well meant.
A changing and escalating threat environment
Accelerate the risks:
- Cyber attacks In industrial control systems, systems are relentless to manipulate chemical processes and cause devastating accidents.
- Drone Find the changing times, test the response times and be adapted to chemical payloads or trigger releases.
- Artificial intelligence Gives opponents powerful tools to scan weaknesses in security systems, supply chains and physical defenses.
- Global instability Increases the likelihood that state and non-state actors aim at US chemical facilities for disorders or terror.
- While the latest actions in the White House on cyber, drones and AI are helpful, they cannot replace A dedicatednationwide programS that deal with threats to the critical infrastructure, including chemical facilities.
Level Up: Why the Congress has to act
The chemical industry is do Its part through initiatives such as The responsible Care® program of the American Chemistry Councilwhich means that companies have to tackle a wide range of safety reasons Consistent facilities, transport networks and digital operations. Without DHS direct partnership and supervision in CFATs, however, companies no longer have access to common specialist knowledge, intelligence and tools that have made security improvements...
We know that the collaboration works. When industry and government work together, the critical infrastructure is stronger, the communities are safer and the nation is better protected.
The congress should react quickly:
- Restore Cfats And again a dedicated chemical security framework.
- Enter a national framework for drone security to tackle quickly growing threats.
- Create the FAA to complete overdue drone rules To protect chemical and other critical infrastructure.
- These are Practical, accessible and non -partisan steps-In not severe elevators, but legal measures that strengthen national resistance without adding unnecessary stress.
Conclusion
The nation cannot afford any chemical security blind stain. Without CFATs and related protective measures, the door is supported open to possible attacks on our nation. Recovery And adoption new Security Programs Protecting chemical facilities is not optional – it is important to protect our economy, our communities and our way of life.