Commentary: Members unite in Washington to strengthen NACD

13 July 2012 09:55  [Source: ICB]

Members of the National Association of Chemical Distributors aim to enhance legislative outreach

Chemical distributors united this past May in Washington, D.C., to talk to US legislators about the important role the chemical distribution industry has in the US economy, and the unique connections distributors provide in delivering vital products used in every industry.

Through one-on-one meetings, they explained how their operations work and how each and every one of them safely and securely handles, stores, and delivers important ingredients daily to over 750,000 customers.

In fact, National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) members' safety rating is 80% better than non-­members. These great results were achieved through their implementation of Responsible Distribution, the association's signature environmental, health, safety and security program.

Together these leaders espoused how important it is for Congress and regulatory agencies to stop over-regulation. Today, NACD members face an inordinate amount of regulations, many of which have contradictory requirements. They have also faced an aggressive enforcement regime which is more focused on fines than compliance support.

This "find and fine" approach is a crushing blow impeding growth, new jobs, and the sustainability of the industry.

NACD members remain committed to safely and securely operating their businesses. But they cannot continue, with any business certainty, to operate in a system that is more intent on arbitrarily punishing companies, than in helping businesses to be better stewards.

We hope by educating our legislators and regulators that we can bring common sense back into the regulatory process. In the meantime, NACD has enhanced its legislative outreach and increased its regulatory compliance resources for our membership. We will ensure that the voice of chemical distribution is heard when decisions are made in Washington, D.C.

To find out more about the NACD and its programs, including Responsible Distribution, visit its website

Author: Chris Jahn

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