SR64, As Adopted by Senate, May 23, 2017

Senator MacGregor offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 64.

A resolution to recognize May 24, 2017, as Responsible Chemical Distribution Day.

Whereas, The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) has placed the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of employees, communities, and the environment; and

Whereas, In December 1991 the member companies of NACD undertook as its most important mission the inception of the Responsible Distribution program; and

Whereas, NACD celebrates over 25 years of improving safety and performance through Responsible Distribution, a verified environmental, health, safety and security program committed to continuous performance improvement in every phase of chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal; and

Whereas, Responsible Distribution verification is conducted by an independent, third-party verifier based on the Responsible Distribution Guiding Principles and a Code of Management Practice, and is required of each NACD member and Chemical Handler Affiliate; and

Whereas, Responsible Distribution’s sixth iteration of the Code of Management Practice requires each member company to have an active program designed to continuously improve safety and reduce incidents in 13 separate areas, including: Senior Management Commitment, Compliance Review and Training, Carrier Selection, Handling and Storage, Job Procedures and Training, Waste Management and Conservation Practices, Emergency Response and Public Preparedness; Community Outreach, Product Stewardship, Internal Audits, Corrective and Preventive Action, Document and Records Control, and Security; and

Whereas, In the past 25 years, nearly 5,000 key NACD member company personnel have been trained in the principles of Responsible Distribution which has resulted in an 18 percent decrease in non-vehicular accidents related to storage and handing, and a 64 percent decrease in vehicular accidents despite a 27 percent increase in total miles driven to deliver product; and

Whereas, Michigan consumers and businesses are dependent on the safe and efficient distribution of raw chemical materials, intermediates, and final products, and Michigan is home to a significant number of NACD member companies; and

Whereas, NACD and many of its Michigan members work in close cooperation with the Michigan Chemistry Council to provide an effective means for individual companies and organizations engaged in the commerce of chemicals within Michigan to combine talents and resources to build understanding for programs such as Responsible Distribution which foster improved performance and adherence to sound public policies; and  

Whereas, The people of the state of Michigan are fortunate to be served by an institution of the caliber of the National Association of Chemical Distributors and its member companies, which have proven to be a healthy and positive force within the commerce of chemicals; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 24, 2017, as Responsible Chemical Distribution Day; and be further

Resolved, That the National Association of Chemical Distributors and its Michigan members be commended for over 25 years of commitment to Responsible Distribution, including community outreach, pollution prevention ensuring the safety and security of chemical handling and distribution throughout Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That the Michigan Senate extends best wishes for continued success in the future, and applauds the success of voluntary recognition programs like Responsible Distribution for ways to reduce compliance burdens to the state.