Turnarounds—and the time they require—are critical for safe refinery operations and for the longer-term reliability of U.S. fuel production. But with a smaller number of U.S. facilities shouldering market demands, offline facilities can impact market dynamics. Where turnarounds are concerned, though, refineries take every measure possible to limit any potential disruptions to consumers and fuel supplies.
In late July, Congress allowed a valuable program that enhances security at chemical facilities across the country to expire. The program is called the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), and its primary mission is to protect chemical facilities from potential terror threats by addressing a wide range of possible vulnerabilities, including cyberattacks.
"AFPM is extremely disappointed that the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program was allowed to expire and strongly urges the Senate to pass H.R. 4470 as soon as possible so that our members can resume their longstanding, collaborative relationship with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via the CFATS program. Our industries remain committed to providing the best security possible while the program’s regulations remain unauthorized.."
