N.J. beefs up chemical plant security.

New Jersey became the first state to adopt mandatory chemical-plant security requirements last year, ending a four-and-half year debate in the statehouse that began after the 9/11 attacks.

Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, a Democrat, announced the new measures after facing some resistance from the chemical industry and Republican lawmakers.

New Jersey has 140 facilities that must comply with the standards, including 43 that are subject to the state's toxic catastrophe prevention program. These select plants must adopt safer technology to prevent attacks or accidents, according to a statement from the governor's office.

A state government-led task force adopted measures recommended by the American Chemistry Council's responsible care program and the American Petroleum Institute's security guidelines, many of which already were being put into place voluntarily.

Under the new requirements, chemical facilities will have to develop an assessment of vulnerabilities and hazards that might be exploited by potential terrorists and develop a response plan.

The plan must include a review of:

* Security systems and access to facility grounds.

* Security needs outside the facility perimeter that would reduce the vulnerabilities to an attack.

* Employee and contractor back ground checks.

* Information and cyber security systems.

Sen. Jon Corzine, a Democrat who took office as the state's governor on Jan. 17, applauded the new measures in a statement. He noted that New Jersey has seven chemical plants, stretching from Port Newark to New Liberty International Airport, that could affect 1 million people if they were to fall under attack or suffer an accident.

He lamented Congress and the White House's failure to adopt similar measures nationwide.

"Unguarded chemical facilities are a ticking time bomb and represent a threat to our national security," Corzine said.