In “Chemical plants can and must make themselves much safer” (Opinion, July 21), the authors call for action — but it is action that is well underway to safeguard facilities that use or store chemicals.

We agree that securing chemical facilities against deliberate attack is crucial to protecting Americans. Since 9/11, members of the American Chemistry Council, including members of the Georgia Chemistry Council, have invested $7.7 billion to enhance security at their facilities.

The federal government has issued the most comprehensive regulatory program to date.

By not boxing facility operators into a singular approach, the rules allow and encourage operators to consider a wide array of security measures.

We do not support regulatory proposals that are veiled attempts to ban products vital to our nation’s economy and well-being.

Going forward, we will continue to build on bipartisan efforts to date, and work with congressional members of Georgia and the administration to protect chemical facilities, employees and communities.

Rudy Underwood is president of the Georgia Chemistry Council.