A bill (H.R. 5695) [2] introduced by Rep. Daniel Lungren (R-CA) that would require that the DHS categorize dangerous chemicals as substances of concern has been approved by the House Homeland Security Committee. It is still pending in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The bill would establish the most dangerous chemical substances and require chemical facilities to establish procedures to protect the public from them. Chemical facilities would be required to establish standards, protocols, and procedures for vulnerability assessments and facility security. Facilities using the highest-risk chemicals would have to conduct penetration exercises and establish security performance requirements.