American Chemistry Council: FBI & Chemical Makers To Share Security Info

4/24/2002

From: Susan K. Roth of the American Chemistry Council, 703-741-5805; e-mail: Susan(underscore)[email protected]

ARLINGTON, Va., April 24 -- In an effort to enhance the security of the nation's chemical facilities, American Chemistry Council President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Webber today signed an agreement with National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) Director Ronald Dick in support of the newly established Chemical Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC). This public/private sector partnership will allow vital security-related information to move effectively between the multi-agency NIPC, based at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., and companies that make and use chemical products.

The Chemical Sector ISAC will be operated by the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC(r)), ACC's emergency response communications center.

"Information sharing is a vital weapon in the war against terrorism," said Ronald L. Dick, director of the NIPC. "Since the chemical industry is a key component of our national infrastructure, any terrorist act that might delay distribution of these vital products, or attempt to misuse them, could compromise almost any sector of the American economy and the public safety. The chemical industry is to be commended for forming an ISAC to help enhance our nation's security."

"Disrupting the flow of chemical products could have a dramatic effect on the public safety," stated Webber. "The business of chemistry produces the essential, life-saving products that help protect our soldiers and emergency responders, as well as the miracle medicines that Americans rely on to protect their families and communities. The Chemical Sector ISAC is one more step in our effort to do everything feasible to make our facilities as safe and secure as possible."

The ISAC communication network will allow the NIPC to quickly exchange and analyze critical threat and incident information with the chemical industry, covering both physical and cyber information. Additionally, the ISAC will provide chemical and related transportation facilities with timely information about possible threats so that increased security or other preemptive measures can be taken. The ISAC also will make experts available to consult directly with the NIPC, as needed.

Participation in the ISAC is open to ACC members, members of other chemical trade associations and other organizations in the chemical sector value chain, including transportation. There is no charge to participate.

The ISAC will provide the mechanism for companies to report unexplained or suspicious incidents directly to the NIPC through CHEMTREC(r), ACC's emergency response communications center, which will operate the network. With more than 30 years experience in partnering with emergency responders, manufacturers, distributors, transporters and local communities, CHEMTREC has the trained personnel and state-of-the art equipment to take on this critical mission. The network is expected to be online by the end of April 2002. For registration information, visit: http://chemicalisac.chemtrec.com.

The NIPC serves as the federal government's focal point for threat assessment, warning, criminal and national security investigation and response, and protection of our country's most essential systems and services. It issues information to private sector ISACs, along with guidance on appropriate protective measures.

------ The American Chemistry Council represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. Council members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. The business of chemistry is a $450 billion a year enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation's number one exporting sector, accounting for 10 cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies invest more in research and development than any other industry.

A digital photograph of the agreement signing is available upon request to: Susan(underscore)[email protected].