Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards: The Final Rule Is Out, but the Debate Continues.

The article evaluates the legislative mandate which authorizes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) final interim rule to take effect. The executive order imposes new requirements on agencies before the can draft regulations or issue guidance documents for chemical facilities. Several critics claim that it will further politicize the rulemaking process and impede the exercise of federal agency discretion. The article also outlines the key issues that continue to influence debate on chemical plant security against terrorism.