Clean Texas Program Recognizes Responsible Care® Management System: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has restructured its Clean Texas program to recognize model environmental management systems (EMSs), including, specifically, Responsible Care. In sum, Responsible Care certification is now poised to fill the EMS requirement for the Clean Texas program (the state equivalent of EPA Performance Track). Previously, an elaborate TCEQ audit was necessary above and beyond a Responsible Care audit. The agreement should significantly streamline the Clean Texas application process for all Responsible Care certified facilities in Texas (both to RCMS® and RC14001®). Under this initiative, ACC member and Responsible Care Partner facilities in Texas are potentially positioned to earn four certifications in one audit: Responsible Care, ISO 14001, Clean Texas, and EPA’s Performance Track (the State of Texas already has a recognition MOA with EPA’s Performance Track program). For a copy of the letter to ACC members and Responsible Care Partners announcing this agreement, click here. A copy of the press release may be obtained by clicking here.
Responsible Care Management System Recognized As EMS Model By Environmental Council of the States: The Responsible Care Management System (RCMS®) has been recognized by the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) as a model performance-based environmental management system. ECOS, which is the national non-profit, non-partisan association of state and territorial environmental commissioners, adopted a resolution supporting the use of voluntary environmental management systems. The resolution specifically includes the RCMS as one of two examples of plan-do-check-act-based approaches available to assist organizations in meeting and exceeding environmental, regulatory and social responsibilities. This resolution confirms that state regulatory officials view the RCMS framework as a credible and effective driver of performance and that industries implementing voluntary environmental management systems, such as the RCMS, are recognized as responsible corporate citizens.
Maryland State Security Legislation: In April 2004, Maryland became the first state to issue chemical facility security legislation in the United States. The legislation closely tracks the Responsible Care Security Code in the following ways: (1) prioritization of facilities, (2) development and implementation of security measures commensurate with risk, (3) training, drills, and guidance, (4) communications with employees, communities, and government agencies, (5) internal audits, and (6) third-party verification. To learn more, view this legislation or examine a more detailed legislative history.
