As I write this in the early afternoon of Monday, May 15, I just finished reading the latest bulletin from DHS on WannaCry, the ransomware virus that has become a lead news story since the weekend.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chet Thompson, president and CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), today issued the following statement in response to comments by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in last night’s presidential debate
Petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas are the building blocks for products that protect our military personnel, create medical advancements to help save lives in combat, and aid our wounded warriors.
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 President and CEO Chet Thompson testified before a House Energy & Commerce subcommittee on legislation aimed at preserving U.S. energy security and Americans’ ability to purchase the fuels and vehicles of their choosing while continuing to move the transportation sector in a more efficient and less carbon intensive direction.
"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.."
Hurricane season is coming — beginning June 1 and lasting through the end of November — and with it comes unpredictable storms and heightened risks. With forecasts predicting up to 19 named storms and 10 hurricanes — the refining and petrochemical industries are prepared.
