Government Affairs Brief

In May 2022, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a Security Directive for Pipelines, generally referred to as SD02B. The goal of the May 2022 security directive was to prescribe efforts that owners and operators of hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines or liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities needed to implement to improve cybersecurity awareness, reporting, and preparedness.

On September 6, 2022, EPA published its long-awaited proposed designation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The hazardous substance designation triggers a reporting requirement to immediately report releases of PFOA and PFOS that meet or exceed the reportable quantity of 1 pound or more in a 24-hour period. The proposed rule is likely to impact a wide range of entities including manufacturers (including importers and importers of articles), processors, other downstream product manufacturers and users, and waste management and wastewater treatment facilities. 

CISA, Can You Hear Me?

This is not a new take on the popular children’s move song, but rather the position that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is taking with the public regarding cybersecurity regulations. CISA is hosting a series of public listening sessions to gather public input on implementing regulations requiring covered entities to report covered cyber incidents and ransomware payments to CISA. The public listening sessions are being held in the following locations and at the following places https://www.cisa.gov/circia

ILTA was excited to hold our EHSS committee meetings in person on September 20-21 at the Omni Parker House in Boston.

Beginning Day 1 as a full committee, participants heard a presentation from Patrick Morrison, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), on the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure to firefighters across the country. The update included a summary of the IAFF report on health impacts for different genders of firefighters and other differentiators in studying PFAS exposure on human health. The IAFF report and research concluded that exposure to PFAS in the environment has increased risk of several cancers and other serious diseases.  Firefighters are at especially high risk due to workplace exposure to PFAS both through the use of foams and through contact with PFAS-tested protective gear. The IAFF has taken a strong stance in favor of phasing out the use of PFAS-based firefighting foams for all uses, including municipal, industrial, and defense uses.

For 20 years, Desiree Cromwell, Gulf Coast Region Manager at Phillips 66, has had the privilege to be a part of an industry she says provides energy and improves the lives of many people across the world.

“The energy industry has transformed the fundamental way people interact daily, which is aligned with my personal core values to make a difference,” Cromwell said. “Throughout my career, I’ve had many opportunities to grow, develop and increase my business acumen by working in several business functions at Phillips 66.”