By Benjamin D. Briggs, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

bottleSeyfarth Synopsis: In a challenge brought by trade associations for the farm supply and fertilizer industries, the D.C. Circuit vacates OSHA memorandum narrowing the retail exemption from the PSM standard.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently ruled against OSHA on
Continue Reading DC Circuit Finds OSHA “Interpretation” Narrowing Retail Exemption Under the Process Safety Management Standard Really a “Standard” Subject to Rulemaking Process

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) intended to “mature” the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, and to identify ways to make the program more effective in achieving its regulatory objectives. 79 Fed. Reg. 48693 (August 18, 2014).

The CFATS program was intended
Continue Reading DHS Proposing to “Mature” Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program

By Jeryl L. Olson and Craig B. Simonsen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in response to Executive Order 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security (EO), is publically, through a Federal Register notice, requesting public comments on “potential revisions” to its Risk Management Program. 79 Fed. Reg. 44604 (July 31, 2014).

This request is part of an effort highlighted in
Continue Reading EPA Request for Information on Clean Air Act Accidental Release Prevention Program

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security spoke today at the Air and Waste Management Association’s Annual Conference, on their  collaboration on chemical facility safety and security.

The conference session speakers included Mathy Stanislaus, EPA’s Office of Solid Waste
Continue Reading EPA, OSHA, and DHS are Collaborating on Chemical Facility Safety and Security

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Department of Homeland Security recently published their first joint Report for the President, “Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment.” June 6, 2014.

The Report was issued after recent catastrophic chemical facility incidents
Continue Reading Federal Report on “Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment”

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

In response to an August 1, 2013 Executive Order 13650, OSHA has requested comments (78 Fed. Reg. 73756) on potential revisions to its Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, its Explosives and Blasting Agents standard, its Flammable Liquids standard, its Spray Finishing standard, and potential changes to its PSM enforcement policies.
Continue Reading OSHA Request for Information on “Modernization” of its PSM Standard