Welcome to the Homeland Security Committee. Our Committee addresses the relatively new practice area of federal, state and local strategies for achieving homeland security as directed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

I encourage you to become actively involved. We are looking for members who wish to participate. Feel free to contact the Committee's Vice-Chairs. They are always interested in members who want to serve on their subcommittees.

Our Practice Area

Following the organization of DHS, our practice can be grouped into four general areas:

Emergencies and Disasters: This area of HS practice addresses risk-based emergency management planning and prevention, response and recovery, and assistance efforts and is primarily directed toward efforts to ensure that the nation is protected from and able to recover from national disasters. Our coverage of issues includes:

• Litigation related to emergency response (e.g. anthrax).
• Emergency response funding issues on the state and local level.
• Infrastructure placement.
• Consideration of HS in Environmental Impact Statements.
• Facility permitting considerations.
• Evaluation of HS criminal and civil enforcement through the Pipeline Safety Act, RCRA, DOT regulations and other statutes requiring emergency response plans and protection of infrastructure.
• Disposal of decontamination wastes and wastewaters such as those containing biological agents.
• Evaluation of Hazardous Materials security plans and training.
• Application of the Defense and Production Act authorities to assist in preparedness and response activities.

Travel and Transportation: Customs inspections, border protection, airport security and dangerous goods fall within this subject matter area. Impacted groups include cargo and commercial carriers, shippers, and municipalities. This practice area covers:

• FAA/TSA regulation of airport security.
• Dangerous Goods DOT regulation overview.

Research and Technology: DHS is developing procedures for preparing for and responding to the full range of terrorist threats involving mass impact by examining of vulnerabilities, testing of security systems, and evaluation of weaknesses. We will keep abreast of the following developments as this program evolves.

• Application of the Safety Act to provide complete immunity for all third-party claims brought against sellers of anti-terrorism technologies for damages resulting from terrorist acts.
• Emerging technologies for use by the First Responder community.

Threats and Protection: This practice area includes the national Advisory System, protection of public buildings and critical infrastructure, health and safety, and related government enforcement. Emerging issues are:

• Availability of chemical inventory and toxic release data on the web and whether we have struck the right balance in removing information post 9/11.
• Application of the Critical Infrastructure Information Act to prevent public disclosure of voluntarily submitted information.
• Protection of vulnerability assessments created by state governments.
• Enforcement of DHS requirements against Tribal Governments.
• Consideration of Patriot Act, Title III issues in transportation and resources financing.

Once again, we are always looking for members who want to participate in planned activities or to plan additional Homeland Security forums for our membership. I hope to meet you in the upcoming months at one of our events. In the meantime, welcome to the benefits of committee membership!

Scott E Mitchell
scottellismitchell@hotmail.com

This Committee provides a forum for discussion of homeland security measures and addresses national and state developments and evolving policy. The scope of our focus is grouped into four general areas: 1) the emergencies and disasters practice including risk-based emergency management planning and prevention, response and recovery, and assistance efforts; 2) the travel and transportation area focusing on customs inspections, border protection, airport security and dangerous goods; 3) the research and technology practice area addressing procedures for preparing for and responding to the full range of terrorist threats; and 4) the threats and protection practice area including the National Advisory System, protection of public buildings and critical infrastructure, health and safety, and related government enforcement.

To become a member of the Homeland Security Committee, please complete the on-line Committee Preference Form.

Also, we welcome your involvement in committee activities and programs. Please complete a Committee Interest Form, then fax or mail as indicated on the form. We look forward to working with you!

Chair:
Scott E. Mitchell

Vice Chairs:
Committee Newsletters
Denis B. Binder

Membership
Allison K. Exall

Programs
TBD

Public Service
Michael Penders

Technology
Charles B. Howland, Jr.

The Year in Review
Charles E. Wagner, Jr.