Public Listening Sessions Scheduled for Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security

January 6, 2014

The Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Labor are hosting a series of public listening sessions in January for Executive Order (EO) 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. Sessions are currently scheduled for Sacramento, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Washington, DC, and Houston, TX. Click here to view the full schedule and register.

During the public listening sessions, the EO Working Group will share an overview of the various sections of the EO and the progress made to date on each. In particular, they are interested in hearing from the stakeholders described in the EO, including first responders. Attendees will have opportunities to provide input on areas in the EO, including: improving operational coordination with state, tribal, territorial, and local partners; enhanced information collection and sharing; modernizing regulations, guidance, and policies; and identifying best practices in chemical facility safety and security.

Registration is required to attend each session. The sessions will be available in-person and via teleconference. Due to limited seating for the in-person event, early registration is encouraged. There is no fee to register. In-person day-of registration will be permitted on a space-available basis. If you are interested in presenting, please make the request during the registration process by indicating what time period you are available to speak. Registration for those wishing to make comments will be on a first-come basis, provided a cross-section of stakeholders is represented by the speakers. The Working Group requests your comments be a maximum of five minutes. Prior to the session, participants will be notified of the time frame they are scheduled to present.

All interested persons may submit comments to NPPD/ISCD/Mail stop 0610, Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Lane, SW, Arlington, VA 20598-0610. Comments will also be accepted by email at eo.chemical@hq.dhs.gov or through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

For further information, or for those who do not want to register through the GovEvents site, please contact eo.chemical@hq.dhs.gov.

Individuals with disabilities wishing to attend the meeting should contact Kathryn Willcutts at kathryn.willcutts@hq.dhs.gov not later than 5 days prior to the session you would like to attend.