The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking comments on its Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program andpublished an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemakingin the Federal Register on Monday.

The CFATS program was established in 2007 and requires U.S. companies that produce, store, or handle any of the chemicals listed in Appendix A of the CFATS rule to submit chemical inventories, to conduct Security Vulnerability Assessments, and to�develop Site Security Plans.

DHS is looking for feedback on all aspects of the CFATS program, but is especially interested in hearing from stakeholders about how the program can be streamlined for facilities looking to achieve and maintain compliance. It�s also interested in feedback on Appendix A and whether chemicals should be added or removed from the appendix.

The department is planning to hold a series of listening sessions across the nation to hear direct feedback from stakeholders in person. Information about dates, locations, and the registration process for the sessions will be made available later, with the plan to begin them in the fall of 2014.

Comments and feedback on CFATs can be submitted through theFederal eRulemaking Portal, or in writing to the department at U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Office of Infrastructure Protection, Infrastructure Security Compliance Division, 245 Murray Lane, Mail Stop 06010, Arlington, VA 20528-0610. Comments must be submitted on or before October 17, 2014.

Additional information about the process and the CFATS program can be requested by [email protected].